ECB Chief Lagarde Opposed Binance EU License Bid

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde personally contacted Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to oppose Binance's application for an EU crypto license, according to a Wall Street Journal investigation. The report, published on September 18, 2026, details how Lagarde's intervention in June 2026 contributed to the withdrawal of the cryptocurrency exchange's bid for regulatory approval in Greece. Binance had applied for a cryptoasset service provider license under the EU's Markets in CryptoAssets Regulation through Greece's Hellenic Capital Market Commission. In early June, Greek authorities informed the European Securities and Markets Authority that they intended to approve the application. Binance had prepared a "Major Milestone" announcement and CEO Richard Teng had planned travel to Athens for a photo opportunity with the Greek Prime Minister. According to the report, an official at the Hellenic Capital Market Commission subsequently informed Binance that Lagarde opposed the application. The ECB president's concerns reportedly centered on two main issues: Binance's compliance history and the potential impact on European monetary sovereignty.