Cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin reported 55% year-over-year spot trading volume growth on December 30, capping a turbulent year marked by major regulatory penalties and a mandated exit from the United States market.
The platform's average daily spot trading reached $4.76 billion while futures trading averaged $6.47 billion per day, up approximately 30% year-over-year.
KuCoin pleaded guilty in January 2025 to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business in the U.S., resulting in nearly $297 million in penalties.
What Happened
Seychelles-based Peken Global Limited, KuCoin's operating entity, agreed to a two-year exit from the American market as part of the January 27 settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Founders Chun Gan and Ke Tang stepped down from management roles and each forfeited approximately $2.7 million.
Canada's FINTRAC imposed a C$19.6 million penalty ($14.1 million) on September 25 for failures to register as a foreign money services business and report nearly 3,000 large transactions.
KuCoin filed an appeal with Canada's Federal Court challenging the penalty.
Despite these setbacks, the exchange secured AUSTRAC registration in Australia and established a Sydney office.
KuCoin obtained the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation license through KuCoin EU.
The platform achieved SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, and Cryptocurrency Security Standard certifications in 2025.
KuCoin launched a $2 billion Trust Project focused on asset protection and maintained 36 consecutive months of Proof of Reserves audits by blockchain security firm Hacken.
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Why It Matters
The trading volume growth demonstrates continued user activity despite significant regulatory enforcement actions across multiple jurisdictions.
KuCoin's post-penalty licensing wins in Australia and the EU signal efforts to rebuild regulatory standing in major markets outside North America.
The exchange now ranks fourth globally by futures trading volume, according to company data.
CEO BC Wong emphasized compliance as foundational to future operations following the regulatory settlements.
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