Lagarde Blocks Binance EU License Bid in Greece: Controversy Erupts Over ECB President's Intervention

Christine Lagarde's personal intervention in Binance's bid for an EU MiCA license has been revealed, sparking controversy over her role as European Central Bank (ECB) president.

According to reports, Lagarde urged Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis not to approve Binance's application, despite Greece being the individual country responsible for granting such licenses under MiCA.

Binance had initially applied for a license in January and withdrew its request on June 24, citing the MiCA deadline of July 1.

The Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) had reportedly reviewed Binance's application and found it compliant with MiCA regulations, but the ECB declined to comment on the matter.