KuCoin Wins Major EU License as Crypto Exchanges Face High Entry Barriers
The post KuCoin Wins Major EU License as Crypto Exchanges Face High Entry Barriers appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.
KuCoin’s European arm has secured a coveted Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from Austria’s Financial Market Authority. This achievement allows the crypto exchange to operate legally across 29 countries in the European Economic Area, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy. The license puts KuCoin among just six crypto companies approved by Austria’s regulator. The other approved firms include Bitpanda, Bybit, crypto-friendly Amina Bank, Cryptonow, and FIOR Digital. This exclusive group now has access to serve Europe’s 450 million potential customers under unified regulations. KuCoin already claims over 40 million users across 200 countries globally. Austria Emerges as Strategic MiCA Hub KuCoin chose Austria for its MiCA application after careful consideration. The exchange filed its application in early 2025 and cited Austria’s stable regulatory environment, timely implementation of MiCA laws, and skilled workforce as key factors. Austria has positioned itself as a leading jurisdiction for crypto licensing, competing with other EU countries to attract digital asset businesses. The MiCA framework, which became fully effective on December 30, 2024, allows crypto companies to obtain a license in one EU member state and then “passport” their services across the entire European Economic Area. This passporting system eliminates the need to seek separate approvals in each country, significantly reducing regulatory complexity. Source: @kucoincom However, KuCoin’s license excludes Malta, which has taken an independent approach to MiCA supervision. Malta has issued licenses to major crypto firms like Blockchain.com and Gemini but has opposed centralized EU oversight, highlighting different regulatory philosophies within Europe. Massive Barriers Block New Market Entrants Getting into the EU crypto market under MiCA presents enormous challenges for exchanges. The regulatory requirements create substantial barriers that many companies cannot overcome. Registration fees alone range from €50,000 to €150,000, depending on the exchange’s size and complexity. But these upfront costs…
Filed under: News - @ November 29, 2025 2:10 am