Greece Enters MiCA Era with First Providers as Binance Dispute Continues
The European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework has taken another step forward as Greece welcomed its first batch of crypto-asset service providers to the EU register. The ESMA-updated list now includes four Greek entities: BCash, Xenios Blockchain Group, Capital Wallet Greece and Piraeus Bank.
The addition of these firms marks a new milestone in Greece's rollout of Europe's sweeping crypto framework. With this development, the register totals 359 unique providers across the EU.
One key aspect to note is that the Greek entries underscore how MiCA allows member states to split competent authority responsibilities. ESMA's list shows that BCash, Xenios Blockchain Group and Capital Wallet Greece fall under oversight by Greece's securities regulator (HCMC), while Piraeus Bank is overseen by the Bank of Greece.
The regulatory narrative in Greece has remained entangled with the Binance question. The Wall Street Journal reported on Sept. 18 that European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde had helped block Binance after Greek officials indicated approval was forthcoming. However, HCMC has denied this account, stating it categorically rejects the assertions attributed to it.