KuCoin Strengthens Australia Presence With AUSTRAC Approval

• KuCoin secures AUSTRAC registration as regulators tighten oversight on offshore exchanges.
• Partnership with AFSL-licensed Echuca Trading brings futures into Australia’s regulatory framework.
• New Sydney office strengthens KuCoin’s local operations and supports broader market expansion.

KuCoin has joined the Australian crypto market by obtaining AUSTRAC registration and pursuing a parallel expansion with a licensed financial services partner. The move comes as Australian regulators strengthen expectations for offshore exchanges operating in the country, placing more emphasis on licensing requirements and compliance frameworks tied to digital asset activities.

AUSTRAC has officially registered KuCoin’s Australian entity as a Digital Currency Exchange (DCE), placing the platform within the regulator’s monitoring regime for digital currency exchange services. The approval brings KuCoin under rules intended to mitigate financial crime risks and enforce compliance procedures that apply to operators offering digital asset services inside Australia.

The exchange affirmed that there would be more registrations of specified financial services that would be taken forward, indicating that the approval of AUSTRAC is a continuity initiative, not a one-off action. KuCoin has also announced that its collaboration with Echuca Trading, a financial services provider holding an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), introduces its crypto futures products into a regulatory framework that aligns with Australian financial regulations.

The registration of KuCoin coincides with the widening of digital asset market controls by local regulatory bodies. Recently, ASIC has stated that certain crypto products, including stablecoins and tokenized instruments, may be subject to regulation under the Corporations Act and require licensing. This regime places an additional burden on exchanges to operate within established legal frameworks and meet the standards of financial product issuers.

The correspondence with Echuca Trading places KuCoin in a position to adjust its derivatives product to meet these needs. The exchange stated that futures products will be conducted under the AFSL-supported format, with additional regulatory evaluations being conducted.

Local fiat access rolled out to Australian users

In addition to regulatory steps, KuCoin has introduced local fiat on-ramp support for Australian customers. The update enables deposits of Australian dollars through approved channels, giving users a direct path to access digital assets under compliant conditions.

The roll-out follows increased scrutiny on offshore platforms that had previously provided limited or unregulated fiat connectivity. The exchange stated that further service registrations are planned as it continues to build a structured presence in the country.

KuCoin Sydney office opened as part of broader market expansion

In addition to the AUSTRAC approval, KuCoin has also grown its presence by opening new offices in Sydney. The workspace is located in the central business district and serves as the exchange’s base of operations in Australia, contributing to its outreach to local users. The event of the office opening was made possible by KuCoin’s sponsorship of the Australian Crypto Convention 2025 and a marketing partnership with Australian golfer Adam Scott.

The company appointed James Pinch as Managing Director in its Australian operations. According to the announcement, Pinch has a background working in finance, risk, compliance, and legal roles, as well as at OKX and other trading and fintech companies. The exchange noted that the Sydney office will facilitate jobs and support its regulatory and operational build-out through 2026.