Greece Enters MiCA Era with First Crypto-Asset Service Providers
Greece has taken its first steps into the MiCA era by registering four Crypto-Asset Service Providers on the ESMA register. These firms can now offer crypto services not only in Greece but also across the entire European Union under the MiCA passporting mechanism.
This milestone comes after a relatively slow start, with Greece issuing fewer authorizations compared to other EU nations like Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The country incorporated MiCA into national legislation through Law 5193/2025, which involves an initial assessment followed by a decision-making window of 40 business days.
Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange by trading volume, had submitted its MiCA authorization application in Greece but withdrew it on June 24, 2026, citing a complicated application timeline. The Hellenic Capital Market Commission has since emphasized that its assessments are conducted independently and strictly in accordance with both EU and national standards.
The MiCA regulation represents the most comprehensive crypto regulatory framework attempted by any major economic bloc, covering everything from stablecoin issuance to exchange operations to custody services. This means that every crypto firm operating in the EU must now meet capital requirements, maintain transparent operations, and submit to regulatory oversight for consumers' protection.