Binance closes accounts in France, Spain, Italy and Poland on Dec 31

What happened. On November 7 Binance users in several EU countries posted the same email on X. A Binance spokesperson confirmed to CoinDesk that the exchange is "progressively restricting certain services for affected users" and that their accounts will be closed with effect from December 31, 2026. The spokesperson called it "a carefully managed process" with "no sudden freeze."

Dates and fees. Per the emails to users, from November 29 Binance charges 0.025% of the balance a month or 10 USDC, whichever is higher. The first charge comes within three days of November 29, the second after December 24. USDC goes first, then other crypto. If the balance is below the fee, all of it is taken. CoinDesk notes Binance has not separately confirmed the emails, but its terms do allow a monthly dormant account fee.

Why. In June Binance withdrew its MiCA application in Greece and said it would apply in another EU country. It still has not named one. Binance is not on the ESMA register of licensed crypto firms. In France, Binance France's registration lapsed automatically on July 2, when the national regime ended.

Who is affected. Users in France, Spain, Italy and Poland got the emails, where Binance had local companies. Users in places like Portugal have not been singled out, but general EU rules still apply to them. If you got no email, check your in-app notices.

More Binance news. On November 7 Binance said its chief financial officer Kaiser Ng is leaving. Justin Yek, most recently vice-president of finance at Airwallex, takes over. Co-CEO Yi He said a transition plan ran over the last half year.

What we don't know. Where and when Binance gets a licence. Whether users can return to the same accounts. How exactly crypto left after December 31 will be converted or transferred.

Fatos confirmados

• A Binance spokesperson confirmed to CoinDesk that affected accounts will be closed with effect from December 31, 2026.^[1]
• Deposits are blocked; crypto and fiat withdrawals still work.^[1][3]
• Users in France, Spain, Italy and Poland reported receiving such emails.^[1][3]
• Per the emails, from November 29 the fee is 0.025% of the balance a month or 10 USDC, whichever is higher; a second charge follows after December 24.^[1][3]
• If the balance is below the fee, the whole balance is taken.^[1]
• On June 24 Binance withdrew its MiCA application in Greece and said it would apply in another EU member state.^[2]
• Binance is not on ESMA's register of authorised crypto providers.^[1]
• Binance CFO Kaiser Ng is leaving; Justin Yek is the new CFO.^[4]

Implicações

• ConfirmadoCrypto left in affected accounts after November 29 will shrink because of the monthly fee.
• ConfirmadoSmall balances under 10 USDC can be wiped out entirely.
• Nossa leituraSome EU users will move to licensed exchanges or their own wallets. This is our inference.

Ainda não se sabe

• Which EU country Binance will apply in for a MiCA licence, and when it gets one
• Whether users can return to the same accounts after a licence
• How crypto left after December 31 will be converted or transferred

Quem é afetado

France, Spain, Italy, Poland, EU. Binance users in Europe

Fontes

1. CoinDesk: Binance users in some European countries told to pull crypto before fees kick in, with accounts closing by year end 7 de novembro de 2026 · mídia
2. Binance: Important Update for Our European Users 24 de junho de 2026 · oficial
3. Investing.com: Bitcoin holds below $76K as Binance EU closures add to crypto market pressure 8 de novembro de 2026 · mídia
4. Reuters (via Charlotte Observer): Binance CFO Kaiser Ng steps down, Justin Yek named new finance chief 7 de novembro de 2026 · mídia