header banner
Default

After failing to receive regulatory approval, Binance will be leaving the Netherlands


Table of Contents

    The Binance logo is displayed on a screen in San Anselmo, California, June 6, 2023.

    Justin Sullivan | Getty Images

    Cryptocurrency exchange Binance said it will leave the Netherlands after the company's application to register under the Dutch crypto authorization regime was rejected.

    Referring to a virtual asset service provider, Binance on Friday said that it could no longer serve Dutch clients "as we have been unable to register as a VASP with the Dutch regulator."

    The company didn't give a reason for why it was unable to receive a license from regulators.

    Starting Friday, no new Binance users will be accepted onto the platform. From July 17, Binance said it will cease allowing users to buy tokens, trade, or make deposits, although its withdrawal function remains active.

    Binance recommended that users withdraw their assets from their accounts.

    The Dutch central bank, which is responsible for authorizing new virtual asset services providers, was not immediately available for comment.

    Under the current regulatory regime, Binance can only get approval to operate in an EU country by registering under its money laundering prevention rules.

    The firm has so far received such approvals in France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden and Lithuania. This is set to change once the EU approves its Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation.

    MiCA aims to harmonize crypto regulation across the bloc and to prevent bad actors from harming consumers, particularly in the wake of the shock bankruptcy of FTX in November.

    Once MiCA comes into force, crypto firms with registration in one EU country will be able to then use that to offer their services across other member states.

    Binance said it remains "committed to working collaboratively with regulators around the world and are additionally focused on getting our business ready to be fully MiCA compliant."

    "Existing Dutch resident users are being sent an email with comprehensive information about what this means for their accounts and any assets they currently have on the Binance platform, alongside any steps they will need to take," a Binance spokesperson told CNBC.

    "While Binance is disappointed that this has become necessary, it will continue to engage productively and transparently with Dutch regulators."

    The latest blow to the crypto giant follows a tumultuous few months for the broader cryptocurrency industry. Last week, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission sued Binance and CEO Changpeng Zhao, alleging that they engaged in the unregistered offer and sale of securities and commingled investor funds with their own.

    WATCH: How a $60 billion crypto collapse got regulators worried

    How a $60 billion crypto collapse got regulators worried

    Sources


    Article information

    Author: Lori Gibson

    Last Updated: 1698779403

    Views: 929

    Rating: 3.9 / 5 (59 voted)

    Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Lori Gibson

    Birthday: 2003-02-15

    Address: 49911 Robert Course, Teresafort, MS 69872

    Phone: +4337131681678074

    Job: Event Planner

    Hobby: Cooking, Embroidery, Robotics, Cooking, Tea Brewing, Ice Skating, Motorcycling

    Introduction: My name is Lori Gibson, I am a rare, daring, radiant, bold, dazzling, risk-taking, fearless person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.