Binance applies to deregister in Cyprus, says focus is on 'larger markets'
Binance appears to be preparing to exit Cyprus. The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission has marked Binance Cyprus Limited as “Under examination for application for deregistration” on its website.
Previously, the cryptocurrency exchange received Class 3 registration as a Crypto Asset Services Provider (CASP) in Cyprus in October. At that time, Binance called the registration “another milestone in Binance’s regulatory efforts in Europe and follows similar registrations for Binance’s local entities in France, Italy and Spain.”
Class 3 is the highest level of service provision in the island nation and allows the exchange to custody crypto assets, provide staking, manage portfolios and perform a number of other functions in addition to providing a trading platform. Despite this, Reuters reported, citing an unnamed source at the regulator, that Binance never launched its services in Cyprus.
A Binance spokesperson told Cointelegraph:
The Cypriote regulator lists nine registered CASPs on its website, including Binance. Among the other listings are eToro and a Revolut entity. Other exchanges, such as Crypto.com and Gemini, are reportedly receiving registration in Cyprus, however.
Related: The state of crypto in Southern Europe: Malta leads the way
The crypto industry is preparing for European Union (EU) Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) legislation to enter into force next year. Since Cyprus is an EU member, MiCA rules will thereby allow Binance to “passport” its registration from other European regulators throughout the countries subject to the new legislation.
BINANCE'S CYPRUS UNIT HAS APPLIED TO DEREGISTER AS CRYPTO ASSET SERVICE PROVIDER IN CYPRUS - SECURITIES REGULATOR WEBSITE
Binance, Binance.US and Binance CEO Changpeng
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