Speaking on the sidelines of the GFTN Forum in Tokyo on February 26, 2026, Teng emphasized that while the MiCA framework standardizes licensing across the bloc, Binance evaluated broader factors beyond regulatory speed:
“The license is pretty standard throughout Europe, so we have to think through many other factors, whether it’s social, whether it’s talent pool, safety and security issues. Greece is where we think will be a good base for us to expand in Europe.”
Greece’s appeal, per Teng, lies in its skilled labour force (a talent pool for tech and operations) and strong security profile — advantages that outweigh those of established financial hubs with faster licensing track records.
Key Context on the Application
- Binance submitted its MiCA application to Greek regulators last month (January 2026), creating a local holding company and committing to establishing an office with significant staffing.
- Greece has not yet issued any MiCA licenses (as of late February 2026), lagging behind Germany (45 licenses) and the Netherlands (22), per regulator data.
- Crypto firms must secure a MiCA license by July 2026 to continue serving EU customers — making early applications strategic.
- Binance’s global regulatory home remains in Abu Dhabi, but the Greek base targets seamless EU-wide operations for its 300+ million users.
The unconventional choice highlights Greece’s push to attract fintech and crypto firms through competitive advantages in talent availability, quality of life, and stability — even as it builds its MiCA framework under the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC).
Teng left the timeline open, noting it would be up to EU authorities, but expressed confidence in Greece as a launchpad for broader European growth amid the bloc’s maturing crypto regulations.
Sources: Reuters