Binance has chosen to withdraw its application for a crypto license from the German financial regulator BaFin. The decision was made in reaction to rising regulatory friction in Europe. The license application was withdrawn in response to the report that German authorities would not issue Binance a license for cryptocurrency custody. The increasing expectations from regulators all around the world have had an impact on this choice. According to a report recently published by Reuters,
A spokesperson from Binance confirmed the withdrawal, stating that:
The situation, both in the global market and regulation, has changed significantly. Binance still intends to apply for appropriate licensing in Germany, but it is essential that our submission accurately reflects these changes.
The Decline In Binance Market Share
Due to difficulties in multiple European markets over the past few months, the exchange withdrew its applications for licensing in several nations. The Netherlands, Austria, and Belgium are some countries where the exchange is difficult.
Key individuals in charge of Binance’s European operations have also left the firm due to European regulatory challenges. Michael Wild departed the firm earlier this year after vitalizing the exchange’s presence in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
Aside from the circumstances in Germany, the exchange decided to leave the Netherlands after encountering registration problems. The exchange also got instructions to stop operations in Belgium and renounced its registration with the Cyprus Securities Commission. Despite being the subject of a money laundering investigation, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, CEO of Binance, declared that France remains the company’s primary European location.
The regulatory difficulties also affect the exchange’s market share. The exchange’s global market share decreased, falling from 60% at the beginning of the year to 52%, along with that of its US affiliate. The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) actions, which allege regulatory rule breaches, are to blame for this decline.
The withdrawal of Binance’s application for a German cryptocurrency license marks a significant shift in the ever-evolving landscape of European cryptocurrency legislation. Regulators worldwide are closely scrutinizing the cryptocurrency business. As a result, ongoing efforts to adhere to regulatory standards will inevitably influence the company’s future initiatives.
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