Binance says a key step in its EU Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) licensing process has moved forward, even as Reuters reported that regulators are preparing to reject the exchange’s bid—an outcome that could limit Binance’s ability to serve customers in the bloc. In a Tuesday blog update, Binance stated that Greece’s Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC)—a MiCA regulator involved in reviewing the company’s application—has completed its assessment and “considered it compliant with MiCA requirements,” while noting that the matter still requires review by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). Key takeaways Binance claims HCMC has completed its MiCA application review and found its submission compliant, subject to ESMA oversight. Reuters reported EU regulators may reject Binance’s licensing request, potentially preventing the exchange from offering services to EU residents. MiCA authorization timing remains critical: EU firms must obtain approval by the end of Ju...
Bitcoin traded near $106,000 on Tuesday as Michael Saylor presented a new framework for Bitcoin-based finance. The Strategy chairman placed Bitcoin at the center of a five-layer asset structure. Meanwhile, the company continued expanding its Bitcoin treasury through additional purchases. The framework keeps Bitcoin unchanged and places financial products above the asset. As a result, Saylor rejected staking models and protocol-based yield mechanisms. Instead, he promoted capital markets products that use Bitcoin as collateral and reserve capital. Bitcoin Remains the Foundation of the Digital Asset Stack Saylor organized the framework into five layers that begin with Bitcoin as digital capital. Above Bitcoin sit digital credit, digital money, digital yield, and digital equity. Consequently, the structure separates different financial functions without changing Bitcoin's core design. The model treats Bitcoin as a reserve asset that supports other financial instruments. Credit and equ...