Overview
- KuCoin has opened a Sydney CBD office as its Australian hub and plans to hire across compliance, cybersecurity, operations, and product over the next 12 months.
- The company appointed James Pinch as Australian managing director, drawing on prior leadership roles at OKX, CMC Markets, Vantage, and Invast Global.
- Reporting notes KuCoin must secure an Australian Financial Services License to support AUD deposits and broader fiat-to-crypto activity as lawmakers advance a licensing regime with heavy penalties for noncompliance.
- Rival exchange Gemini launched locally last month, registered with AUSTRAC, and began offering AUD deposits and trading through its Australian subsidiary.
- KuCoin is sponsoring the Australian Crypto Convention 2025 and promoting a partnership with Adam Scott, while highlighting security credentials including SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001:2022, ISO 27701:2025, and CCSS.