Hassan Maishera
KuCoin, one of the leading crypto exchanges in the world, has announced that uCoin EU Exchange GmbH is currently filing an application for a MiCAR license in Austria.
In a press release shared with Cryptowisser, the crypto exchange said this application underscores KuCoin’s commitment to meeting the highest standards of regulatory compliance while preparing its entry into the EU/EEA region.
The crypto exchange added that the MiCAR license will enable KuCoin EU to serve its customers across all 30 EU and EEA member countries, ensuring consistent access to crypto products and services under a robust regulatory framework.
This aligns with KuCoin’s vision of fostering transparency, trust, and accountability in administering best-in-class digital asset services, offering users a secure and compliant trading platform.
KuCoin EU’s headquarters will be in Vienna, Austria, marking the city a strategic hub for all European activities, and is actively hiring talents for its operations. The decision to choose Austria was primarily driven by the timely implementation of the MiCAR accompanying laws, stable and foreseeable regulatory environment as well as the huge talent pool.
While commenting on this latest development, KuCoin’s CEO BC Wong said
“As a globally leading crypto exchange, we place compliance and user experience at the forefront of our mission. Today, I am proud to announce the establishment of our new EU hub in Vienna and that KuCoin EU intends to file for a MiCAR application in Austria. This marks a significant milestone in our steadfast commitment to executing a global, compliant strategy. Upon receiving a MiCAR license, we will enter the EEA market, which we deem strategically important. By advancing our compliance efforts, we are poised to better serve local users with more convenient, secure, and seamlessly localized products and experiences. We remain dedicated to fostering a transparent, responsible, and sustainable global digital asset ecosystem.”
Oliver Stauber, former General Counsel and Managing Director at Bitpanda, and Christian Niedermueller, former CEO of another European digital asset exchange, have been appointed as the Managing Directors of KuCoin EU Exchange GmbH. Stauber and Niedermueller bring extensive expertise in financial market regulation and crypto exchange management, strengthening KuCoin’s leading position as it navigates the complexities of Europe’s evolving crypto regulations while ensuring a successful and regulatory-compliant business operation in the EU and EEA.
Oliver Stauber, CEO of KuCoin EU stated that,
“I am absolutely thrilled to embark on this journey as the CEO of KuCoin EU, where we are set to revolutionize the crypto landscape across the EU and EEA with innovative products and services. At KuCoin EU, our mission is clear: to create Europe’s premier, regulatory-compliant crypto asset service provider. We are excited to announce that we will apply for a MiCAR license in Austria. Upon receiving the MiCAR license we are committed to delivering secure, compliant, and cutting-edge crypto solutions that will redefine trust and innovation in the EU’s fintech arena. Get ready for a new era in crypto!"
Christian Niedermueller, COO of KuCoin EU added that,
“After having scaled up another European exchange and having my toes in the digital asset industry now for more than 9 years, I am very happy to help bring KuCoin to the next level in Europe. We aim to build a fantastic local team, have a sophisticated localized operational & product setup, and also strengthen brand awareness massively in the years to come. Being a KuCoin customer myself since the very beginning in 2017, I couldn’t be prouder to support KuCoin now at this stage.”
The MiCAR license will enable KuCoin EU to provide services for European users, offering access to a wide range of digital assets while ensuring compliance with EU regulations.
KuCoin EU Exchange GmbH, based in Vienna, Austria, is committed to establishing a fully compliant digital asset brokerage under the MiCAR framework. By leveraging KuCoin's advanced technology and nurturing the respected KuCoin brand, KuCoin EU aims to deliver secure and innovative crypto products and services to its customers within the European Economic Area (EEA).
KuCoin EU Exchange GmbH currently does not offer any services in the EU/EEA and will only commence operation upon receiving appropriate licensing.
Founded in 2017, KuCoin is one of the pioneering and most globally recognized technology platforms supporting digital economies, built on a robust foundation of cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, liquidity solutions, and an exceptional user experience. With a connected user base exceeding 39 million worldwide, KuCoin offers comprehensive digital asset solutions across wallets, trading, wealth management, payments, research, ventures, and AI-powered bots.
