Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, confirmed it has submitted an application for a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in Greece as crypto firms across Europe speed up their efforts to secure regulatory approval before the transitional period expires.

The move adds Greece to the list of EU member states being considered by large digital asset platforms looking to preserve access to the bloc’s single market once MiCA’s licensing regime comes into force. Companies have until June 2026 to secure the license.

Engagement With Greek Authorities Begins

A Binance spokesperson confirmed to CryptoNews that the company has formally lodged its MiCA application and has begun discussions with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC), the country’s financial regulator.

“We have submitted our MiCA application and are actively engaging with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC),” the spokesperson said.

“We view MiCA as an important milestone for the crypto industry, bringing regulatory clarity, stronger consumer safeguards, and a clearer framework for responsible innovation.”

The spokesperson adds that Binance welcomes collaboration with Greek regulators as the EU-wide regime is implemented, noting the firm’s intention to support the long-term development of Europe’s digital finance ecosystem.

Unified EU Rules Drive Licensing Push

MiCA seeks to form a harmonized regulatory system for crypto-asset service providers operating in the European Union, replacing the fragmented national registration models.

Once authorized, member state firms can offer services across all 27 EU countries through passporting rights. With compliance timelines approaching, exchanges face mounting pressure to secure approval.

MiCA represents one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for crypto-assets globally, intended to provide legal certainty, protect investors, and push innovation in the rapidly evolving digital finance space.

France Steps Up Oversight of Crypto Sector

Binance’s application in Greece comes as regulators in France intensify oversight of the crypto industry. In October, the French authorities launched anti-money laundering inspections covering dozens of crypto firms, including Binance and domestic exchange Coinhouse.

France conducts AML inspections on Binance and Coinhouse among 100+ entities for MiCA licenses with only 4 firms approved before June 2026 deadline.#France #Binance #Coinbasehttps://t.co/AhYNEuNmzi

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) October 17, 2025

The inspections were being led by France’s prudential supervision authority, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), as it evaluates which of more than 100 registered entities will qualify for EU-wide authorization under MiCA.

As MiCA reshapes Europe’s crypto regulatory environment, the outcome of licensing applications over the coming months is expected to play a decisive role in determining which global platforms maintain access to one of the world’s most important digital asset markets.

The post Binance Seeks MiCA Approval in Greece Ahead of EU Regulatory Deadlines appeared first on Cryptonews.

Ramp Network becomes fully operational across the EU as a licensed Crypto Asset Service Provider.

Reports say Moldova will roll out its first full crypto law by the end of 2026. The move aims to copy much of the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets rules. This is not a sudden idea. It comes as Moldova continues to line up its laws to match EU standards while it works on closer ties with the bloc.

Moldova Will Mirror EU Rules

According to the finance minister, the plan is to shape a law that looks a lot like MiCA, the EU rulebook for digital assets. That means platforms will need licenses, and services will face rules on how to protect users and stop dirty money.

People in Moldova will be allowed to hold and trade crypto, but using crypto to pay for everyday goods and services will be kept off the table.

What This Means For People And Firms

Reports note the legislation will clarify which firms can convert crypto to the local currency and which cannot. Local authorities say they want to reduce risk for ordinary savers while also giving firms a clear path to operate legally.

Banks and regulators will have a role in writing the details, which will include how exchanges report to tax and anti-money-laundering units.

A Slow Step Toward Openness

Some see this as a cautious opening. By legalizing ownership and trading under tight rules, Moldova hopes to attract clearer investment flows without making crypto a substitute for money.

Reports also mention stricter AML/KYC checks and transparency measures to prevent illicit flows. These parts of the plan are meant to reassure both local users and international partners.

The law is expected to be drafted with input from the finance ministry, the central bank, market regulators, and anti-money-laundering officials.

That mix of voices could slow the process, but it also makes it likelier that the rules will fit the country’s wider financial system. Drafting will be followed by debate and possible revisions before anything becomes final.

A Regional Signal

Based on reports, Moldova’s choice to follow EU templates sends a clear message to neighboring states: align with the EU’s standards and you get legal certainty.

For citizens who trade crypto today in informal ways, the change could mean safer options and official channels to move money. For companies, it means new compliance costs — but a path to operate openly.

Featured image from Reuters/Vladislav Bachev/File Photo, chart from TradingView

Bitcoin Magazine

DZ Bank Secures MiCAR Approval, Prepares Nationwide Retail Crypto Trading Rollout

Germany’s second-largest lender DZ Bank has received authorization under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, clearing the way for the launch of a retail crypto trading platform across the country’s cooperative banking sector.

The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority, BaFin, granted the MiCAR license at the end of December. 

With the approval, DZ Bank will roll out “meinKrypto,” a digital asset trading platform designed for customers of Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken, Germany’s network of cooperative banks.

The platform allows local cooperative banks to offer retail clients access to cryptocurrency trading within an existing banking environment.

DZ Bank acts as the central institution, while each cooperative bank must submit its own MiCAR notification to BaFin before activating the service for customers.

Once approved and integrated into the VR Banking App, meinKrypto will function as a wallet and trading interface for self-directed investors. At launch, the platform will support Bitcoin and other crypto.

Germany’s crypto cooperative banks

DZ Bank said additional assets could be added later, subject to regulatory review.

The rollout will follow a decentralized model. Each cooperative bank will decide whether to offer crypto trading based on its own strategy and risk assessment. 

Customers will be able to buy, sell, and hold digital assets without using external exchanges, keeping activity within the regulated banking system.

The technical infrastructure behind meinKrypto was developed by Atruvia, the IT provider for the cooperative financial group, in partnership with DZ Bank. Stuttgart Stock Exchange Digital will provide crypto custody services, ensuring asset safekeeping under German and EU regulatory standards.

The move reflects growing interest in digital assets across Germany’s cooperative banking sector. 

A September 2025 survey by the German Cooperative Banking Association found that 71% of Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken were considering crypto services, up from 54% the previous year. 

About one-third of banks exploring crypto said they planned to launch offerings within five months.

DZ Bank’s entry into retail crypto trading follows earlier efforts focused on institutional clients. The Frankfurt-based lender began offering digital asset services for institutions through partnerships with regulated market infrastructure providers. The new MiCAR license extends that strategy to private customers through the cooperative network.

In a separate development, DZ Bank announced this week that it has joined Qivalis, a European banking consortium working on a regulated euro-denominated stablecoin. 

The group of 11 banks plans to launch the stablecoin next year through a new Dutch entity under the same name.

Qivalis is seeking approval from the Dutch central bank to operate as an e-money institution, with a target market entry in the second half of 2026. The consortium says the project aims to support payments and settlement for European businesses and consumers within a regulated framework.

Together, the meinKrypto rollout and the stablecoin initiative signal a broader push by Germany’s cooperative banking sector to integrate digital assets into mainstream financial services under MiCAR.

This post DZ Bank Secures MiCAR Approval, Prepares Nationwide Retail Crypto Trading Rollout first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.