KuCoin Achieves EU-Wide MiCA Authorization

Summary:
KuCoin has successfully earned a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in Austria, enabling the platform to extend its regulated digital asset services throughout 29 countries in the European Economic Area (EEA). This new authorization signifies a major step in enhancing KuCoin's compliance, security measures, and overall presence in the European market.

Key Takeaways

KuCoin has received a MiCA license through its Austrian subsidiary.
This approval allows KuCoin to provide services across 29 EEA countries.
MiCA establishes uniform regulations for crypto service providers in the EU.
The license supports compliance with high regulatory standards.
KuCoin is expanding its regulatory footprint globally with notable security certifications.

KuCoin gains EU-wide MiCA approval - 1

KuCoin Receives MiCA License in Austria

KuCoin has announced it has acquired a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in Austria, allowing its European subsidiary to provide digital asset services throughout 29 countries within the European Economic Area. This milestone, which was revealed in an announcement on Friday, signifies the platform’s adherence to the regulatory framework set by the European Union for crypto assets, a framework that came into full effect in December 2024.

The authorization for KuCoin EU Exchange GmbH demonstrates the platform's commitment to compliance with MiCA, which introduces standardized rules for crypto service providers operating in EU member states. BC Wong, the CEO of KuCoin, emphasized the importance of this achievement: “Securing the MiCA license with our local entity in Austria is a defining milestone in KuCoin’s long-term trust and compliance strategy. Europe’s MiCA framework represents one of the highest regulatory standards worldwide, and we are proud to meet this benchmark.”

With this license, KuCoin EU can offer trading, custody, and various other digital asset services to users in Europe, all under a cohesive regulatory framework. The MiCA regulations mandate essential requirements such as capital adequacy standards, customer asset segregation, disclosure duties, and approvals from national regulatory authorities.

This latest approval follows KuCoin's registration as a Digital Currency Exchange with Australia’s financial intelligence agency, AUSTRAC, back in November. As part of its ongoing growth, KuCoin aims to broaden its regulatory presence in various jurisdictions through what is termed the “$2 billion Trust Project.”

To reinforce its security, KuCoin has achieved certifications including SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001:2022, ISO 27701, and the Cryptocurrency Security Standard. The platform also ensures transparency through third-party proof-of-reserves audits.

“Compliance is not simply a regulatory obligation — it is the foundation of our long-term mission to deliver secure, innovative, and accessible digital asset services to users worldwide,” Wong stated.

The MiCA framework regulates crypto asset service providers, issuers of asset-referenced tokens such as stablecoins, and issuers of e-money tokens. Providers authorized in any EU member state have the ability to offer their services across the entire EEA thanks to this regulation.

As the December 2024 deadline approaches for the MiCA regulations, KuCoin EU joins a growing list of exchanges that have secured MiCA authorization. Notable exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken, and Bitstamp have also established MiCA-compliant operations, highlighting the urgency for platforms to either obtain necessary licenses or exit European markets.