Binance Reaffirms EU Commitment Amid 9% Institutional Growth

Binance Co-CEO Richard Teng confirmed on July 9, 2026, at the Reuters NEXT Asia conference in Singapore that the world's largest crypto exchange remains committed to securing an EU MiCA licence, even after withdrawing its application in Greece last month. The announcement matters because crypto firms must hold a valid Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) licence by July 2026 to keep serving European users, leaving Binance's regional future in the balance.

Binance's EU MiCA Licence Strategy Faces New Deadline Pressure

Teng told reporters that regulators had initially signalled approval for its Greek application before delays set in without explanation. He said the withdrawal from Greece was made to protect users from a lengthy, disruptive transition period once the MiCA deadline hits. Multiple EU member states have since invited Binance to apply under their own regulatory frameworks, and the exchange is now pursuing one of these alternative routes.

Asia Expansion Strengthens Binance's Global Licence Push

While EU talks continue, Binance is pressing ahead in Asia. Teng confirmed the exchange recently expanded into the Philippines through a partnership with fintech firm Blockshoals Technologies, with more regional licences reportedly in progress. Teng also noted a 9% rise in institutional clients onboarded this year, outpacing a 7% increase in overall new customers, a sign that regulated growth is becoming its priority even as broader crypto markets stay volatile.

A dual-track strategy, EU compliance plus aggressive Asian licensing gives them a hedge against European regulatory uncertainty. Their ability to secure a MiCA licence before the deadline will determine whether EU users face service disruption later this year.

Analysts note that regulators actively inviting Binance to apply signals growing institutional confidence in the exchange despite its earlier compliance setbacks.