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Journalist
Hassan Shittu
Journalist
Hassan Shittu
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KuCoin’s European subsidiary, KuCoin EU Exchange GmbH, has begun the process of obtaining a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in Austria.
The move is part of the company’s efforts to comply with EU regulations as it seeks to offer cryptocurrency services across the European Economic Area (EEA).
The company plans to use KuCoin’s technology and established global brand to introduce innovative crypto products tailored for the region.
If approved, the license would allow the company to operate as a regulated crypto-asset service provider in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA).
KuCoin EU Seeks MiCA License, Establishing New Headquarters in Vienna
According to the announcement, securing the MiCA license would allow KuCoin EU to operate as a regulated crypto-asset service provider and ensure compliance with European financial laws.
The company has chosen Vienna as its regional headquarters, citing Austria’s structured regulatory framework and access to skilled professionals in the crypto and fintech sectors.
“As a leading crypto exchange, we prioritize compliance and user experience. Establishing our EU hub in Vienna and applying for a MiCA license marks a major milestone in our global strategy,” said KuCoin CEO, BC Wong.
“Once licensed, we will offer seamless and secure crypto services to users across the EEA, reinforcing our commitment to a transparent and responsible digital asset ecosystem,” he said.
Two seasoned executives have been appointed to oversee KuCoin EU’s operations: Oliver Stauber, a former General Counsel and Managing Director at Bitpanda, will serve as CEO, while Christian Niedermüller, a veteran of the European crypto industry, will serve as COO.
Both bring expertise in financial regulations and exchange management.
Austria’s Crypto-Friendly Regulations Attract Global Players
Austria has emerged as a key player in crypto regulation. As the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation takes full effect, Austria offers firms a stable compliance framework.
MiCA, adopted in April 2023 and fully implemented on Dec. 30, 2024, establishes uniform rules for crypto-asset issuers and service providers across the EU.
It mandates crypto asset service providers (CASPs) licensing and ensures compliance with transparency, disclosure, and consumer protection standards.
A major advantage is the “passporting” mechanism, which allows firms with a single EU license to operate across all 30 EEA member states without needing separate national approvals.
Several major exchanges, including OKX, Crypto.com, and Bybit, have obtained or are pursuing MiCA licenses.
In December 2024, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) urged firms to address non-compliant stablecoins like Tether’s USDT, prompting some exchanges to delist it.
Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody was the first to receive a MiCA license from BaFin in Germany, followed by MoonPay, BitStaete, ZBD, and Hidden Road in the Netherlands.
With MiCA, the EU is seeking to create a streamlined and transparent regulatory environment for digital assets.
As it stands, KuCoin’s application is among several international crypto firms seeking to solidify their presence in the European market.
The approval process will determine how quickly the exchange can integrate into the region’s regulatory system and begin offering its services under EU supervision.
