Binance: availability and regulation
Binance operates in a broad range of markets and holds named registrations including a DASP registration with the AMF in France and a VARA licence in Dubai. It is not available in the United States, and its European Economic Area position is developing. Availability and products vary by country.
Information, not advice. This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify the current rules with a qualified local professional and the official regulator before acting.
Binance is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world by reported trading volume, led by chief executive Richard Teng. As of March 2026 it is available to residents of many countries and holds named registrations including a Digital Asset Service Provider registration with the Autorité des marchés financiers in France and a licence from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority in Dubai. It is not available in the United States, where a separate affiliated company, Binance.US, has operated, and its position in the European Economic Area is developing. Availability, products, and registrations vary by country, so check what applies where you live.
What Binance is
Binance is a cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2017 and operated by the Binance group of companies. It offers spot trading, a wide set of crypto assets, and in some markets additional products such as derivatives, earn features, and a card programme. The platform has been led by chief executive Richard Teng since November 2023, when founder Changpeng Zhao stepped down as part of a settlement with United States authorities.
The platform is custodial, which means Binance holds the assets in your account on your behalf rather than handing you the private keys. Funding methods, supported assets, and features differ from one country to another, and some products such as derivatives are offered only where Binance holds the right authorisation or are restricted entirely.
Fees are charged on a tiered maker and taker basis, with discounts available in some cases. Exact pricing and the product mix change over time, so confirm the current schedule and what is offered to your country on the platform before trading.
Registrations and regulatory position
- France. Binance France SAS is registered as a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) with the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), the first such registration Binance obtained in a major European market (as of March 2026).
- Dubai. A Binance entity holds a licence from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai, and a Binance entity has held authorisation in the Abu Dhabi Global Market under the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) (as of March 2026).
- Other registrations. Binance entities have obtained registrations or approvals in further markets, which have at various times included Italy, Spain, Poland, and others. Registers change, so confirm a specific country with the named regulator (as of March 2026).
- European Economic Area. The position under the European Union Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework is developing and contested as of March 2026, and public reporting has pointed to difficulty securing a MiCA authorisation. Treat the EEA position as unclear and verify it directly.
- United States. In November 2023 Binance reached a settlement with United States authorities over anti money laundering and sanctions failings and agreed to large financial penalties. The global Binance platform does not serve United States residents (as of March 2026).
Each registration is stated as of 21 June 2026. Licences, registrations, and the MiCA position change. Confirm the current status on the regulator register and with the platform before acting.
Where Binance is available
As of March 2026 Binance is available to residents of many countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, and it is one of the most widely used platforms in markets such as Argentina, Brazil, and Nigeria. The exact set of products offered, from spot trading to derivatives and earn features, varies by country and by local authorisation.
There are important exceptions. The global platform is not available to United States residents, access is blocked in jurisdictions subject to international sanctions, and the European Economic Area position is developing under MiCA. Because availability and the product mix vary so much by country, the country pages on this site track the position market by market.
Binance is one of several platforms available in many countries, but it is not available everywhere, including the United States. Availability depends on where you live, so compare the exchanges that are genuinely available in your country before you choose.
Regulator and sources
The relevant regulators differ by market: the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) in France, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the United Arab Emirates, national regulators across the European Economic Area under MiCA, and United States authorities including the Department of Justice and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in relation to the 2023 settlement.
- Binance, public information on its licences and registrations.
- Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), Digital Asset Service Provider register, and the AMF notice on the end of the transitional period for DASPs on 1 July 2026.
- Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Dubai, public register of licensed entities.
- United States Department of Justice, November 2023 announcement of the Binance settlement.
Frequently asked questions
Is Binance legal to use?
In many countries where it operates Binance is a registered provider rather than a banned service, and as of March 2026 it holds registrations including a Digital Asset Service Provider registration with the AMF in France and a Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority licence in Dubai. Its status differs sharply by country, it is not available in the United States, and its European Economic Area position is developing, so check your local rules.
Is Binance available in the United States?
No. As of March 2026 the global Binance platform is not available to United States residents. A separately operated and affiliated company, Binance.US, has historically served some United States customers, but that is a distinct entity. Confirm the current position before acting.
Does Binance hold a MiCA licence?
As of March 2026 Binance's position under the European Union Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework is developing and contested, and public reporting has pointed to difficulty securing a MiCA authorisation. Because this is moving, confirm the current status directly with Binance and the relevant European regulators before acting.
Does Binance hold my crypto for me?
Yes. Binance is a custodial platform, so it holds the assets in your account on your behalf. If you prefer to control your own private keys you would need a separate self custody wallet. This is general information, not advice.
Where can I check Binance registrations directly?
Binance publishes information about its licences and registrations, and each named regulator keeps a public register, such as the AMF in France and the VARA in Dubai. Those primary sources are the most current way to confirm the position before acting.
Rules change frequently. Exchange availability, registrations, and the rules that govern them can change at short notice and vary by region, and Binance's European Economic Area position in particular is developing. The position on this page is dated 21 June 2026. Confirm the current status with the named regulator and the platform before you act.
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