A leading exchange applies for a MiCA license in Greece to meet the EU regulatory deadline

Source: CoinEdition Original Title: Binance Applies for MiCA License in Greece Ahead of EU Deadline Original Link:

• A leading exchange officially applies for MiCA license in Greece to continue EU operations
• The exchange established a Greek holding company and interacts directly with regulators
• The 2026 MiCA implementation deadline across the EU puts pressure on all crypto platforms

The world's largest crypto exchange, a leading platform, has officially applied for a crypto asset market (MiCA) license in Greece to ensure its operations within the EU. This move comes amid the EU regulatory body's set mid-2026 deadline, requiring all crypto companies to obtain authorization.

The Greek regulator — the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) — is reviewing the exchange's application.

Application and Greek Subsidiary

According to local media reports, the platform has over 300 million users, has submitted a MiCA application in Greece, and established a wholly owned subsidiary, Binary Greece. The company is registered as a public limited company with a share capital of €25,000, structured as a holding company.

Binary Greece is authorized to manage equity interests in other companies and provide consulting services on investment strategies, capital structure, and liquidity management. The subsidiary is led by Gillian Majella Lynch, head of Europe and the UK for the leading exchange, who joined the company in 2025.

The exchange confirmed active discussions with HCMC, emphasizing that the MiCA framework offers clarity and consistent rules, supporting innovation while ensuring compliance across EU countries. Reports indicate that the application is under accelerated review, with major accounting firms like Ernst & Young and PwC assisting Greek regulators.

Why Greece?

The choice of Greece by the exchange is noteworthy because Greece is not typically seen as a major financial hub like Malta or Luxembourg. The company highlighted Greece's economic growth and regulatory environment, believing it to be advantageous for long-term strategic operations.

Corporate filings suggest the exchange intends to establish a long-term presence in Greece, with plans to set up significant offices and workforce if licensed. Analysts see this move as part of a broader strategy to secure a foothold in Europe amid stricter regulations elsewhere.

MiCA and EU Regulatory Pressure

The MiCA framework, launched in 2023, standardizes cryptocurrency regulation across the EU, allowing licensed companies to operate in multiple countries under a single authorization. Companies that fail to obtain approval before the July 1 deadline may face fines or lose the ability to operate within the EU.

The exchange currently operates in several EU countries, including France, where authorities have conducted reviews on risk management and anti-money laundering systems. Following a 2022 US settlement, the platform faces increased scrutiny, with French regulators continuing to push for stronger enforcement under MiCA.

Competition and Market Impact

Over 50 crypto companies have obtained MiCA licenses, including major competitors like Kraken, a compliant platform, and KuCoin. In France, only 4% of registered crypto companies have received full authorization, indicating strict enforcement.

Under MiCA rules, the EU stablecoin market is also evolving. Some major tokens (such as Tether) have been delisted from EU exchanges due to non-compliance, while euro-backed alternatives like USDC, EURCV, and EURe have received approval.