KuCoin Obtains MiCA License in Austria

Major cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin is the latest company to secure a license under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework. KuCoin EU, KuCoin’s European arm, announced on Friday that it has secured a MiCA license from the Financial Market Authority of Austria. The authorization allows KuCoin EU to offer crypto asset services across 29 countries in the European Economic Area (EEA), excluding Malta, according to the exchange’s representatives. “Securing the MiCA license with our local entity in Austria is a defining milestone in KuCoin’s long-term trust and compliance strategy,” said KuCoin CEO BC Wong, adding that the regulatory framework is “one of the highest regulatory standards worldwide.”

Vienna as a Strategic European Crypto Hub

KuCoin’s MiCA approval follows its license application filed in early 2025, arriving months after several crypto asset providers (CASPs), including Austria-based Bitpanda, had already secured MiCA authorization in other EU member states. “The decision to choose Austria was primarily driven by the timely implementation of the MiCA accompanying laws, the stable and foreseeable regulatory environment as well as the huge talent pool,” the exchange said in a statement in February. Alongside KuCoin, Austria’s FMA has issued MiCA licenses to five more CASPs: crypto-friendly Amina Bank, Bitpanda, Bybit, Cryptonow and FIOR Digital. “This milestone strengthens KuCoin’s commitment to responsible global expansion,” KuCoin CEO Wong said, adding: “Compliance is not simply a regulatory obligation — it is the foundation of our long-term mission to deliver secure, innovative, and accessible digital asset services to users worldwide.” It has been reported that Malta has issued multiple MiCA licenses to CASPs like Blockchain.com and the Winklevoss twins-owned Gemini exchange. Malta has also emerged as a major opponent of centralized MiCA supervision within the EU, contrary to the position of member states such as France.

Risk Warning: this article represents only the author’s views and is for reference only. It does not constitute investment advice or financial guidance, nor does it represent the stance of the Markets.com platform.When considering shares, indices, forex (foreign exchange) and commodities for trading and price predictions, remember that trading CFDs involves a significant degree of risk and could result in capital loss.Past performance is not indicative of any future results. This information is provided for informative purposes only and should not be construed to be investment advice. Trading cryptocurrency CFDs and spread bets is restricted for all UK retail clients. 

Latest news