• KuCoin EU Exchange GmbH ("KuCoin EU") is applying for a license under the Markets in Crypto-assets Regulation ("MiCA") in Austria to operate as a fully compliant crypto-asset service provider in the EU/EEA.
• Once the license is received, KuCoin EU will leverage KuCoin's cutting-edge technology and the highly respected KuCoin brand to offer secure and innovative crypto products and services to KuCoin EU's customers in the EU/EEA.
• Vienna emerges as a strategic European crypto hub thanks to its progressive regulatory framework and access to exceptional talent.
• Oliver Stauber (CEO) and Christian Niedermüller (COO), leaders of the cryptocurrency industry, will ensure operational excellence and full compliance with European regulatory standards as Managing Directors of KuCoin EU.

KuCoin, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has announced that KuCoin EU Exchange GmbH is in the process of filing for a MiCA license application in Austria. This request underscores KuCoin's drive to meet the highest standards of regulatory compliance while strengthening its presence in the EU/EEA region.

The MiCA license will allow KuCoin EU to serve its customers in all 30 EU and EEA member countries, ensuring consistent access to crypto products and services within a robust regulatory framework. This initiative is in line with KuCoin's vision to encourage transparency, trust, and accountability in the administration of the best digital asset services, by providing users with a secure and compliant exchange platform.

KuCoin EU will establish its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, making the city a strategic hub for all European activities, and is actively recruiting talent for its activities. The decision to choose Austria was mainly motivated by the swift implementation of the accompanying laws to the MiCA regulation, a stable and predictable regulatory environment, as well as the existence of a large talent pool. KuCoin EU recognizes Austria's efforts, for example under the leadership of the City of Vienna, in creating a transparent, efficient, and best-in-class framework to enable cryptocurrency companies to operate while protecting the interests of investors and encouraging innovation in the financial sector.

BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin, said, "As a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, we put compliance and user experience at the forefront of our mission. Today, I am proud to announce the establishment of our new European center in Vienna and KuCoin EU's intention to apply for a MiCA license in Austria. This is an important step in our strong commitment to implement a compliant global strategy. Once the MiCA license is received, we will enter the EEA market, which we consider to be strategically important. As we move forward in our compliance efforts, we are poised to better serve local users with products and experiences that are more convenient, safer, and seamlessly localized. We remain committed to fostering a transparent, responsible and sustainable global digital asset ecosystem. »

Oliver Stauber, former General Counsel and Managing Director of Bitpanda, and Christian Niedermueller, former CEO of another European digital asset exchange, both veterans of the European cryptocurrency industry and seasoned financial executives with a legal background, have been appointed Managing Directors of KuCoin EU Exchange GmbH. Mr. Stauber and Mr. Niedermueller bring a wealth of expertise in financial markets regulation and financial management. management of cryptocurrency exchanges, reinforcing KuCoin's leading position as it navigates the complexities of the ever-changing European cryptocurrency regulations, while ensuring successful and regulatory-compliant trading in the EU and EEA.

« I am absolutely excited to embark on this journey as CEO of KuCoin EU, where we are ready to revolutionize the cryptocurrency landscape in the EU and EEA with innovative products and services. At KuCoin EU, our mission is clear: to create Europe's first regulatory-compliant crypto-asset service provider. We are pleased to announce that we will be applying for a MiCA license in Austria. Once the MiCA license is received, we are committed to providing secure, compliant, and cutting-edge crypto solutions that will redefine trust and innovation in the EU fintech arena. Get ready for a new era in cryptocurrency! »

Oliver Stauber, CEO of KuCoin EU -

"After developing another European exchange platform and having been present in the digital asset sector for more than 9 years now, I am very happy to help bring KuCoin to the next level in Europe. Our goal is to build a fantastic local team, have a sophisticated operational and product structure, and massively build brand awareness in the coming years. Being a KuCoin customer myself since the very beginning in 2017, I couldn't be prouder to support KuCoin now at this stage. »

Christian Niedermueller, Chief Operating Officer of KuCoin EU -

Once KuCoin EU receives its MiCA license, KuCoin EU will be well-positioned to provide services to European users, providing access to a wide range of digital assets while ensuring compliance with EU regulations. The company's long-term vision includes contributing to the wider adoption of blockchain technology and strengthening the EU's position as a leader in the global crypto ecosystem.

As KuCoin reaches this milestone, the exchange remains focused on promoting innovation and trust in the digital asset space, while bringing its operations into compliance with regulatory frameworks around the world.