TLDR
- KuCoin secures AUSTRAC registration to operate legally in Australia.
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Registration allows KuCoin to offer fiat on-ramps to Australians.
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Partnership with AFSL holder Echuca Trading enhances compliance.
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KuCoin aims to register more services and grow its local footprint.
KuCoin has achieved full registration with AUSTRAC—Australia’s financial intelligence agency—allowing it to operate as a digital currency exchange. The registration was obtained through the company’s local subsidiary, marking a key step in its regulatory journey and commitment to compliance in Australia.
AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) requires digital exchanges to register in order to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws. With this approval, KuCoin is now under the same oversight standards applied to other financial services operators in the country.
Fiat Access and Enhanced Services for Australian Users
Following AUSTRAC approval, KuCoin will now offer fiat-to-crypto on-ramp services. This makes it easier for Australian users to legally and directly purchase digital assets using local currency.
According to the announcement, KuCoin also aims to expand its digital asset offerings while complying with Australian law. The platform plans to register for more designated services under AUSTRAC as part of its long-term strategy.
BC Wong, KuCoin’s Global CEO, noted:
“Securing AUSTRAC registration is a key milestone in strengthening KuCoin’s global compliance architecture.”
The exchange now joins other registered platforms that provide regulated access to cryptocurrency for Australian customers.
Partnership with AFSL-Licensed Echuca Trading
To strengthen its compliance further, KuCoin has partnered with Echuca Trading, a financial services firm licensed by ASIC under the Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) regime. This collaboration will help bring KuCoin’s crypto futures services under a regulatory structure tailored for the Australian market.
The move aligns with KuCoin’s broader goal of offering advanced trading products within a compliant environment. It also ensures that Australian traders accessing crypto derivatives do so through a firm that meets national licensing standards.
James Pinch, Managing Director at KuCoin Australia, stated:
“With AUSTRAC registration and AFSL-backed support, we’re raising the bar for how exchanges serve Australians.”
Compliance Expansion Plans and Local Market Focus
KuCoin intends to go beyond just spot trading services. The exchange plans to register additional services with AUSTRAC and further integrate with Australia’s regulated financial infrastructure.
Australia is considered one of the stricter jurisdictions for digital assets. KuCoin’s actions signal a clear interest in long-term market engagement under full legal compliance. These steps also help rebuild trust in the crypto space following past collapses and market uncertainty.
The platform’s expansion efforts in Australia come as global regulators continue to tighten oversight of digital currency markets. By obtaining formal registration, KuCoin positions itself for growth and legitimacy in the region.
Kelvin Munene
Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience in market analysis and expert commentary. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University and is known for meticulous research in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured in top publications including Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Coinedition, and Analytics Insight. Kelvin specializes in uncovering emerging crypto trends and delivering data-driven analyses to help readers make informed decisions. Outside of work, he enjoys chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.
