Binance pushes back on reports that EU regulators tried to block it

The HCMC did not immediately respond to a CoinDesk request for comment regarding Binance’s MiCA licensing process.

“As the person who led the license application, there’s nothing that I have been made aware of that there was any issue with the application,” Lynch added. “In fact, I was told the complete opposite.”

Lynch also argued that Europe’s crypto market loses more than just its largest exchange if Binance remains outside the MiCA framework. She said Binance provides liquidity and market infrastructure that benefit the wider crypto ecosystem, adding that regulation should strengthen the industry rather than exclude companies that have invested heavily to meet its standards.

Lynch declined to speculate on reports that political intervention played a role in the delays. Instead, she said the focus is now on helping users through the transition period while preparing a new licensing strategy.

“We’re very committed to being in Europe and very committed to being regulated,” she said.

Despite Binance’s experience, Lynch described MiCA as a positive step for the industry. She said the regulation has helped bring crypto into the financial services system by providing firms with clear rules and consumers with greater protection.

“I fundamentally believe the crypto industry is maturing. Regulation brings maturity,” she said. “The industry is here to stay, and it’s part of the financial services ecosystem.”