Lagarde Intervened To Stall Binance’s EU Crypto License, WSJ Reports

source: altcoinbuzz

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde personally intervened to stall Binance's bid for a European Union-wide crypto license in Greece, according to a Wall Street Journal report by Angus Berwick.

The intervention came even though the ECB holds no formal licensing authority under the bloc's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, known as MiCA.

A senior Greek regulator told Binance that Lagarde wanted the license decision delayed until the European Securities and Markets Authority takes over licensing for crypto exchanges, Finextra reported on the Journal's account.

That authority currently sits with national regulators, including Greece's Hellenic Capital Market Commission, and the shift to ESMA has only been proposed.

A License Application That Stalled Near The Finish

Binance filed its Greek application in January 2026. By late May, officials had told the company it was complete, according to the Journal.

Binance CEO Richard Teng had a photo opportunity with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis planned, a press release titled "Major Milestone" was drafted, and a local deputy was preparing to sign an office lease.

None of it happened. Binance withdrew its Greek application in June, Finextra reported, and said it still intended to pursue MiCA authorization.