Binance Bows Out of EU Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
The world's largest crypto exchange, Binance, has suspended its services in the European Economic Area (EEA) due to regulatory issues. As of July 1, 2026, new deposits, spot orders, sign-ups, and Earn/staking products are no longer available for EEA residents.
Binance had applied for a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license through Greece's Hellenic Capital Market Commission but withdrew its application on June 24, 2026. The company claimed it acted after 'careful consideration of the status and the timeline' and had engaged 'constructively and in good faith' with Greek authorities.
Regulatory experts suggest that Binance would have struggled to pass the 'fit and proper' test due to its anti-money-laundering history, including a $4 billion settlement with the US Department of Justice in 2023. The company believes it can reapply for a license through another member state, reportedly France.
EEA users who log into Binance today will find that new spot orders, deposits, account registrations, Earn subscriptions, staking, and marketing of services are blocked. However, withdrawals remain available, along with limited convert functionality to close out positions before moving funds.