Brian Armstrong of Coinbase and Star Xu of OKX are enticing new users with sign-up bonuses of up to 8% on deposits or transfers from other accounts.
By Olivier Acuna|Edited by Shaurya MalwaUpdated Jun 27, 2026, 2:20 p.m. Published Jun 27, 2026, 2:11 p.m. 2 min readMake preferred on ShareShare this articleCopy linkX (Twitter)LinkedInFacebookEmailMake preferred on Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced sign-up bonuses for new EU users shortly after Binance informed clients of its service suspension due to licensing issues. (Jesse Hamilton/CoinDesk)SummaryShow- In response to Binance's announcement about suspending certain services in the EU due to its failure to obtain a MiCA license by the deadline, Coinbase and OKX are actively seeking to attract Binance's European customers.
- Claiming to have held MiCA licensing since 2025, Coinbase is providing a 5% transfer incentive to new users from key European countries and the U.K. who deposit funds before July 13.
- OKX is positioning itself as a compliant long-term alternative in Europe, featuring a significant welcome campaign that includes bonuses and deposit matching up to 8% for qualifying users in the European Economic Area, as Binance attempts to secure a MiCA license after retracting its application in Greece.
Following news that Binance would halt some of its services in the European Union (EU) due to the absence of a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license by July 1, Coinbase and OKX are rolling out sign-up bonuses to entice users.
Brian Armstrong, CEO and founder of Coinbase, posted on X on Friday, promoting sign-up bonuses for users in Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Sweden, and the U.K., directing them to his company's website for further details.
According to Coinbase, “We have been MiCA licensed since 2025 and provide unified global liquidity across spot and derivatives.”
“We’re offering a 5% transfer bonus for individuals moving funds to Coinbase prior to July 13,” the announcement stated.
Star Xu, the founder and CEO of OKX, also extended offers to new European users in a post on X, stating that the MiCA regulation signals a new era for the crypto industry in the region.
“If you’re seeking a regulated platform designed for longevity, we are thrilled to invite you to OKX,” he remarked. “To commemorate this new phase, we’re launching one of our largest welcome campaigns for eligible EEA users, featuring welcome bonuses and deposit matching of up to 8%.”
In an email to clients, Binance informed them that it could no longer accept new registrations and would limit services, assuring them that "Your assets remain safe and secure, and will remain accessible at all times," according to a spokesperson from the Abu Dhabi-based firm.
On Thursday, Binance announced it withdrew its application for a license in Greece and plans to seek authorization from another EU nation.
Nonetheless, Binance stated in a communication to CoinDesk that its "aspirations in Europe remain unchanged, and we are confident we will obtain a MiCA license in the months ahead."
The messages sent to clients in France, Italy, Poland, and Spain arrive just before the crucial June 30 deadline. Cryptocurrency firms must possess a MiCA license from at least one EU member state by July 1 to operate across all 27 member states, while those without licenses must cease their activities in the EU.
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