KuCoin EU Bolsters Compliance Team to Resolve Austrian Regulatory Halt

KuCoin EU is aggressively expanding its compliance infrastructure to regain its operational standing in Europe. The exchange has appointed Carmen Kleinhans as its Anti-Money Laundering Officer (AMLO) to address specific staffing deficiencies flagged by the Austrian regulator. The company, which operates under a Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) license from Austria’s Financial Market Authority (FMA), was ordered to halt its European business in February. The FMA cited a lack of adequate personnel to manage AML and compliance risks as the primary reason for the suspension. In addition to Kleinhans, KuCoin EU has recruited Austrian compliance veterans Stephan Klinger and Bernd Träxler as deputy AML officers. Managing Director Sabina Liu stated that the firm has maintained a transparent dialogue with the FMA and has significantly grown its compliance team since the February action. This effort comes as KuCoin faces a string of global regulatory challenges, including a ban in the United States following a Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) order and sanctions from Dubai’s VARA for operating without the appropriate license. While the hires signal a commitment to regulatory adherence, the company has not yet provided a specific timeline for when the FMA will permit the resumption of business activities in Europe.