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Binance said the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) has finished its review of the exchange's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license application and deemed it compliant with MiCA requirements. The application was also reviewed at the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) level, according to the exchange.
Binance stated it remains committed to obtaining a MiCA license and will provide a further update before June 30.
Why it matters
MiCA, fully in effect across the EU since late 2024, requires crypto-asset service providers operating in the bloc to hold a license in a member state. A license from HCMC would let Binance passport services across the European Union under MiCA's single-market framework — the regulatory prize every major exchange has been chasing. Passing ESMA-level scrutiny alongside the national review is a stronger signal than a green light from HCMC alone, since ESMA coordinates national supervisors and has been the most skeptical voice on retail crypto offerings.
Market impact
The June 30 update is the procedural milestone to watch: confirmation of license issuance would let Binance formally re-onboard and grow its EU retail and institutional book, while a delay or request for remediation would reopen the question of how the exchange services European users in the interim. Competitors that secured MiCA authorizations earlier — including Coinbase, Kraken and several European-native venues — have already been capturing share from Binance's EU user base during the application window.
Frequently asked questions
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What did the Hellenic Capital Market Commission actually decide?
Binance said HCMC completed its review of the exchange's MiCA license application and considered it compliant with MiCA requirements. The application was also reviewed at the ESMA level.
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Why is a Greek MiCA license significant for Binance?
A MiCA authorization from any EU member state lets a crypto firm passport services across the bloc under MiCA's single-market framework, meaning a Greek license would give Binance formal access to all 27 member states.
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What is the June 30 deadline Binance referenced?
Binance said it remains committed to obtaining a MiCA license and will provide a further update before June 30 — the procedural milestone to watch for confirmation of issuance or any remediation request.
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How does ESMA's involvement strengthen the signal?
ESMA coordinates EU securities supervisors and has been the most skeptical voice on retail crypto offerings. Passing review at the ESMA level alongside the national HCMC assessment is a stronger signal than a Greek green light alone.
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Which competitors already hold MiCA licenses?
Coinbase, Kraken and several European-native venues secured MiCA authorizations earlier and have been capturing share from Binance's EU user base during its application window.
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