The world's largest crypto exchange pulls its Greek licence application and tells European users how to withdraw funds before the regulatory deadline hits.
Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by volume, is cutting off services to European Union clients after its bid for a regulatory licence collapsed. The exchange withdrew its MiCA application with Greece’s Hellenic Capital Market Commission on June 24, 2026, and began instructing EU customers on how to pull their funds before the deadline closes.
The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation requires crypto-asset service providers to hold a valid licence in at least one member state by June 30 or July 1, 2026. Binance now holds none.
What happened with the Greek application
Reports first surfaced on June 16, 2026, signalling that Binance’s application through the Hellenic Capital Market Commission was heading toward rejection. Rather than wait for the formal denial, Binance pulled the application eight days later.
The exchange has been clear that it is not abandoning Europe entirely. Binance says it intends to seek authorisation in a different EU member state, a path that remains open under MiCA’s framework. But until that authorisation lands, the exchange cannot legally serve EU clients across the bloc.
European users received guidance from the exchange on withdrawing their assets before the deadline, because services are stopping.
MiCA’s licensing bottleneck is bigger than Binance
Binance’s situation is dramatic, but it is not isolated. As of mid-2026, only around 194 firms had successfully obtained MiCA licences.
MiCA requires crypto-asset service providers to register and receive authorisation in at least one member state. That passport then grants access to the entire bloc.
Binance submitted its application to the HCMC in January 2026, following 18 months of collaboration with the Greek regulatory body.
