Binance has declined to address reports that European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde intervened to block its Greek crypto license application, saying instead that it remains committed to operating compliantly under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation.
A Binance spokesperson said: “We will not comment on speculation. In Europe, Binance remains committed to operating on a long-term, compliant basis under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation.”
The Wall Street Journal reported that a vice chair of Greece’s Hellenic Capital Market Commission told Binance that Lagarde had asked Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis not to approve the exchange’s application. The Big Whale had previously reported Lagarde’s alleged involvement in blocking the bid.
Binance applied for a MiCA license in Greece in January. In early June, Greek officials informed the European Securities and Markets Authority of their intent to approve the application. By mid-June, online reports suggested the HCMC would reject it instead.
Days before the July 1 MiCA deadline, Binance withdrew its Greek application and announced it would seek authorization in another EU jurisdiction. The exchange did not specify which country it is now pursuing.
The ECB and HCMC did not respond to requests for comment on the matter. Neither Lagarde nor Mitsotakis has issued a direct public statement addressing the allegations.
