KuCoin EU Achieves MiCA License
In a significant development within the European cryptocurrency landscape, KuCoin has announced that its European division, KuCoin EU, has attained a MiCA license from the Financial Market Authority (FMA) in Austria. This achievement is part of the European Union’s broader regulatory framework known as Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which aims to establish standardized regulations for cryptocurrency operations across member states.
The newly acquired license permits KuCoin EU to provide its crypto asset services in 29 countries within the European Economic Area (EEA), with Malta being notably excluded from this list.
CEO’s Statement on Compliance
KuCoin’s CEO, BC Wong, expressed that obtaining the MiCA license represents a pivotal point in the company’s long-term strategy for trust and regulatory compliance. Wong commended the MiCA framework as one of the most stringent in the world, reinforcing KuCoin’s dedication to responsible and regulatory-compliant global expansion. He noted:
“Compliance is not merely a regulatory requirement; it forms the bedrock of our mission to offer secure, innovative, and accessible digital asset services to users globally.”
Background and Context
This milestone follows shortly after KuCoin’s application for the license was submitted in early 2025, coinciding with the approval of other cryptocurrency asset service providers (CASPs) such as Austria-based Bitpanda and Bybit, who have received MiCA licenses from the FMA as well. KuCoin highlighted that its decision to establish operations in Austria was significantly influenced by the country’s effective implementation of MiCA regulations, a robust and predictable legal environment, and a wealth of skilled professionals available in the area.
In total, the Austrian FMA has granted MiCA licenses to an additional five CASPs, including crypto-friendly Amina Bank, Bitpanda, Bybit, Cryptonow, and FIOR Digital. Cointelegraph sought clarification from KuCoin regarding the regulatory status of Malta, but responses were not available by the publication deadline.
Malta’s Regulatory Landscape
Importantly, Malta has issued multiple MiCA licenses to several CASPs, including Blockchain.com and Gemini, controlled by the Winklevoss twins. However, Malta retains a distinctive stance, often opposing centralized MiCA regulation, contrasting sharply with the views held by other EU member states such as France.
