Lagarde Blocks Binance's EU Crypto License Bid Over Compliance Fears

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde personally intervened against Binance's attempt to obtain a European Union-wide crypto license through Greece, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The intervention was reportedly due to concerns about Binance's compliance history and the implications of large crypto platforms and dollar-backed stablecoins for Europe's financial system.

Binance had submitted its Greek application in early 2026 and said it had worked with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) for months, but ultimately withdrew its application on June 24 before a formal rejection was issued.