KuCoin

What is KuCoin?

KuCoin is a centralized crypto exchange launched in 2017 by Michael Gan and Eric Tang, with Johnny Lyu now leading the company as Global CEO. It built its reputation by listing a large range of altcoins and offering a broad set of trading products. The exchange supports more than 1,000 assets, covering everything from major coins to early stage tokens.

A major draw for active traders is KuCoin Futures. It offers up to 100x leverage on key contracts and provides strong liquidity across its derivatives markets.

KuCoin Futures Fee Schedule

KuCoin’s fee model is structured to reward active traders and users who hold KCS.

• ‍Spot trading: The base fee is 0.1 percent for both maker and taker orders. Paying with KCS reduces the fee to 0.08 percent.‍
• Futures trading: Standard futures fees start at 0.02 percent maker and 0.06 percent taker.‍
• VIP tiers: Users can progress through 12 VIP levels based on trading volume and KCS balance. Higher tiers offer reduced taker fees and, at the top levels, maker rebates.

KuCoin Regulation and Licensing

KuCoin has made a clear shift toward regulatory compliance in major markets while withdrawing from others.

• ‍Licensed or registered: It holds a MiCA license in Austria for EEA operations, is registered with AUSTRAC in Australia, and is registered with the FIU in India.‍
• Restricted or banned: KuCoin exited the United States after a 2024 settlement with the DOJ and CFTC. It is also banned in Canada (Ontario) and operates without authorization in the United Kingdom.

Where is KuCoin Available?

KuCoin supports users in more than 160 regions worldwide but applies strict KYC rules and blocks access in several jurisdictions.‍

• KuCoin restricted regions: United States, Canada, Singapore, Mainland China, Hong Kong, and sanctioned countries including Iran, North Korea, and Syria.

Users must complete identity verification to trade. Attempts to bypass restrictions, such as using a VPN in the US, result in account closure.

Is KuCoin Safe and Legit?

KuCoin has strengthened its security posture in recent years and now publishes monthly Proof of Reserves reports showing more than 100 percent backing for major assets including BTC, ETH, USDT, and USDC.

The exchange also holds ISO/IEC 27001 and SOC 2 Type II certifications. Funds are secured through a mix of hot and cold storage, and KuCoin maintains a User Safety Fund as an additional safeguard.

Security standards are strong, but traders should still consider regulatory risks in their region, especially following KuCoin’s withdrawal from the US market.