KuCoin has strengthened its foothold in Australia after its local subsidiary obtained official Digital Currency Exchange (DCE) registration with AUSTRAC. The registration brings KuCoin’s Australian operations under the formal supervision of the country’s financial intelligence agency, signaling the exchange’s intention to further expand its regulatory reach in one of the world’s strictest digital asset jurisdictions.
As part of its broader compliance drive, KuCoin said it will seek approval from AUSTRAC for additional designated services and has entered into a partnership with Echuca Trading, a financial services provider that holds an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) from ASIC. The partnership aims to bring KuCoin’s crypto futures business into a regulatory structure aligned with Australian rules, which the company says will bring its derivatives product offerings in line with local expectations.
Enhancing compliance and access to fiat currencies
In addition to regulatory updates, KuCoin said it has launched local fiat on-ramp support for Australian users, making it easier for customers to deposit Australian dollars and access the platform’s suite of digital asset products. The company framed the changes as both convenience and compliance enhancements, aimed at offering Australians a smoother, more localized route to the crypto market.
KuCoin’s global CEO, BC Wong, described the AUSTRAC registration as “an important milestone in strengthening KuCoin’s global compliance structure,” noting that Australia’s regulatory standards are at the highest level and the registration reflects the exchange’s long-term commitment to “transparent and responsible” operations.
KuCoin’s Australian Managing Director James Pinch added that the combination of AUSTRAC registration and AFSL-backed regulatory support will “raise the bar” for how exchanges serve local customers, allowing for safer and smoother access to fiat currencies and product offerings that meet the expectations of both users and regulators.
Founded in 2017, KuCoin has a global user base of over 40 million people in over 200 countries and territories, highlighting a product portfolio spanning spot and futures trading, institutional services, Web3 wallets and payments. The company touts its security credentials, such as SOC 2 Type II and several ISO certifications, and uses these badges to show that it takes protection and regulatory compliance seriously when entering new markets.
KuCoin’s registration comes at a time when Australia is increasing oversight of offshore crypto platforms and encouraging clearer onshore regulatory relationships. For KuCoin, which has shown increased focus on compliance and local investment in Australia in recent months, the AUSTRAC registration and Echuca Trading partnership are concrete steps towards aligning the company’s services with local regulations and user expectations. The decision to add a fiat rail and move futures trading to an AFSL-supported arrangement is particularly noteworthy at a time when regulators are increasing their scrutiny.
KuCoin’s move fits into a broader pattern of international exchanges aligning global services with domestic regulations. For Australian users, the exchange says the combination of AUSTRAC oversight, AFSL-backed structures for certain products, and local fiat introduction means easier access to digital assets within a clearer compliance framework, a message KuCoin hopes will foster trust as the industry continues to mature.
