Lagarde Accused of Blocking Binance's MiCA License Bid

Binance's attempt to obtain a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in Greece was reportedly blocked by European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The Greek application, filed in January, had initially shown promise with Greek officials signaling their approval by early June. However, the process stalled mid-June, and Binance ultimately withdrew its application on July 1, just ahead of the MiCA deadline.

While the ECB has not confirmed Lagarde's alleged involvement, a Hellenic Capital Market Commission vice chair reportedly told Binance that Lagarde had asked Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to reject the license. However, this claim remains unverified by named officials.