KuCoin has officially taken a major step toward deeper expansion in Europe. The global crypto exchange announced that its European arm, KuCoin EU Exchange GmbH, has secured a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in Austria — unlocking access to 29 countries across the European Economic Area.
The approval comes just as the EU’s landmark crypto framework fully kicks in this December, pushing exchanges to either comply or pull back from the region. With this move, KuCoin now stands alongside other major players like Coinbase, Kraken and Bitstamp that have already cleared the MiCA hurdle.
Strengthening its foothold in the EU
With the new Austrian license, KuCoin is now authorized to offer regulated trading, custody and a range of digital asset services to users throughout the EEA. Thanks to MiCA’s passporting rules, a single regulatory approval in one country grants access to all member nations — something the crypto industry has long been waiting for.
BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin, called the milestone a key part of the company’s long-term plan:
“Europe’s MiCA framework represents one of the highest regulatory standards worldwide, and we are proud to meet this benchmark.”
The MiCA framework sets strict expectations for licensing, including capital requirements, full transparency on operations and the segregation of customer assets — a major concern after previous exchange failures shook the market.
Trust to match the growth
KuCoin emphasizes that compliance isn’t just a box to check. The approval aligns with what the company calls its “$2 billion Trust Project,” aimed at reinforcing security and credibility on a global scale.
The exchange recently registered with AUSTRAC in Australia and has racked up several high-level security certifications, including SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001:2022, ISO 27701 and the Cryptocurrency Security Standard. KuCoin also undergoes independent proof-of-reserves audits to reassure users that their funds remain fully backed.
“Compliance is not simply a regulatory obligation – it is the foundation of our long-term mission,” Wong added.
Building for Europe’s next crypto chapter
MiCA is designed to bring clarity and consumer protection to Europe’s fast-growing digital asset industry. It covers everything from crypto exchanges to stablecoin issuers — making the EU one of the most structured markets for crypto businesses globally.
KuCoin’s approval signals confidence not only in the exchange but in Europe’s commitment to innovation through regulation. As the December deadline forces lagging platforms to exit, those securing authorization early are expected to gain a strong competitive edge.
For now, KuCoin’s green light in Austria positions the exchange to scale its footprint across Europe — with the promise of safer and more transparent crypto services for millions of users.
