MiCA: Four Crypto Firms Approved in Greece, Binance Sidelined
On September 24, 2026, Greece registered four crypto providers in the ESMA MiCA register. Binance, which had withdrawn its Greek application on June 24, is not among them. Only six days separate this withdrawal from the first Greek approval, while the European register displays the four entries several weeks after their issuance.
In brief
- 4 crypto providers are now listed in the ESMA MiCA register for Greece, out of 359 unique providers recorded in the September 24, 2026 update (i.e., 1.1%).
- Binance withdrew its application on June 24, 2026, six days before the first Greek approval on June 30.
- The Greek approvals were displayed in the register between 48 and 86 days after their authorization date.
- The HCMC denies the claims reported by the Wall Street Journal concerning an intervention by Christine Lagarde in the Binance case.
Who are the 4 MiCA providers registered in Greece?
BCash, Xenios Blockchain Group, Capital Wallet Greece, and Piraeus Bank have been listed in the MiCA register since September 24, 2026. According to available information, the HCMC authorized the first three between June 30 and July 22. The Bank of Greece authorized Piraeus Bank on August 7.
| Provider | Authority | Approval Date | Delay before Register |
| BCash | HCMC | June 30, 2026 | 86 days |
| Xenios Blockchain Group | HCMC | July 22, 2026 | 64 days |
| Capital Wallet Greece | HCMC | July 22, 2026 | 64 days |
| Piraeus Bank | Bank of Greece | August 7, 2026 | 48 days |
Why is the crypto exchange Binance not licensed under MiCA in Greece?
The crypto platform Binance withdrew its Greek application on June 24, 2026, seven days before the end of the transition period on July 1. The first Greek approval mentioned in the available data came six days after this withdrawal, on June 30.
On September 18, the Wall Street Journal reported that an intervention by ECB President Christine Lagarde was allegedly linked to the Binance case. According to this report, an official from the HCMC relayed this request to Binance. The HCMC of course denies this version.
The HCMC categorically rejects the assertions attributed to it.
Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC), written response to the press, September 29, 2026
Important clarification: the MiCA crypto regulation assigns the approval to national authorities designated by each Member State. Article 93 of the regulation specifies the role of national competent authorities; the ECB is not one of them.
Why does the MiCA register show approvals several weeks after they are issued?
The dates shown in the MiCA crypto register reveal a significant gap between the approvals and their appearance in the ESMA register. BCash was authorized on June 30 but appears in the September 24 update. That equals 86 days later. For Xenios Blockchain Group and Capital Wallet Greece, the delay is 64 days. It reaches 48 days for Piraeus Bank.
Therefore, the ESMA register reflects the publication date of its update, not necessarily the date each approval was granted. These calculations are Cointribune’s own contribution, based on the available dates.
What difference does the arrival of Greek MiCA players make for crypto investors?
In France, the issue remains related to:
- the regulatory situation of the crypto exchange Binance;
- its possible framework under MiCA.
Currently, Binance’s French accounts are indeed operating in degraded mode. Withdrawals are maintained, while spot crypto trading is stopped. According to Cointribune, open margin positions and loans must be automatically liquidated on October 1.
Regarding providers authorized under MiCA, they can offer their crypto services throughout the European Union thanks to the European passport (subject to applicable conditions).
The next ESMA register update will show if Greece expands this initial list. For the crypto platform Binance, the French situation remains a point to watch.
Maximize your Cointribune experience with our "Read to Earn" program! For every article you read, earn points and access exclusive rewards. Sign up now and start earning benefits.
My name is Ariela, and I am 31 years old. I have been working in the field of web writing for 7 years now. I only discovered trading and cryptocurrency a few years ago, but it is a universe that greatly interests me. The topics covered on the platform allow me to learn more. A singer in my spare time, I also cultivate a great passion for music and reading (and animals!)
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.