Binance Says European License Application Was Compliant, Rejecting Greek Rejection Reports

The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation requires crypto-asset service providers to secure authorization from a member-state regulator before operating across the bloc. Its transitional period ended on July 1, 2026. Google Play also requires cryptocurrency exchanges and software wallets distributed in EU markets to comply with MiCA and national rules, making app-store availability an increasingly visible test of regulatory access.

A July 27 report said Binance’s Android app no longer appeared in Google Play searches in Spain, though it remained downloadable through Oppo’s App Market and was still listed in Poland. The change followed Binance’s withdrawal of its Greek MiCA license application in late June. OKX Europe Chief Executive Erald Ghoos linked the removal to licensing requirements, but Binance had not publicly explained the change or responded to a request for comment by publication time.

The European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, or MiCA, provides access to markets in 27 countries under a single license and required firms operating under transitional arrangements to secure authorization by July 1, 2026. Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, applied to the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, or HCMC, on January 23. The outcome had implications for its European operations and arrangements for user assets.

Binance withdrew the application on June 24 because of the pace and timetable of the Greek review, missing the deadline. Services in France, Italy, Spain, Poland and other markets were restricted from July 1, while about 400 million euros in assets flowed out in the preceding week. Co-CEO Richard Teng said on July 9 that Binance was in talks with EU regulators that had invited it to apply, with the goal of securing another MiCA license within months.

The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, or MiCA, establishes uniform licensing and operating standards for crypto companies. Exchanges must obtain a license issued by an EU member state to continue serving customers in the bloc. Binance’s failure to secure authorization before the end of the transition period makes it one of the first major companies to undertake significant business changes following MiCA’s implementation.

Binance told EU users it would restrict new registrations and some existing services from July 1 because it had not yet obtained a MiCA license. The platform will instead seek authorization in France. Affected customers will still be able to access their accounts and withdraw assets as usual, but other trading functions and services will be gradually scaled back in line with regulatory requirements.