Binance Eyes New European Licenses Following MiCA Setback, Says Co-CEO

Binance is actively exploring new licensing pathways into Europe as it navigates the aftermath of its MiCA application withdrawal in Greece. Co-CEO Richard Teng revealed that regulators have invited the exchange to apply for new crypto licenses, signaling a strategic pivot to maintain its footprint within the European Union's evolving legal landscape.

This development comes as the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation becomes the gold standard for compliance in the EU. Following the expiration of the transition period on July 1, firms must operate through MiCA-authorized entities to serve European clients. Binance's ability to secure these new licenses will be a decisive factor in its ongoing battle to balance rapid Asian expansion with strict European regulatory requirements.

Teng stated at the Reuters NEXT Asia conference in Singapore that these discussions are still "premature" and declined to identify specific jurisdictions. MiCA has created a single licensing framework for crypto firms across the European Union. Since the bloc's transition period expired on July 1, the European Securities and Markets Authority has mandated that crypto firms must serve EU clients through a MiCA-authorized entity, with limited exceptions for unsolicited cross-border business.