Leading cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin expands its operations into Australia, aiming to grow the region’s user base and expand its business operations for customers. This follows the recent ambassador partnership with top Australian professional golfer Adam Scott. KuCoin , a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is expanding its operations to Australia, becoming the second region after Europe where the exchange is establishing a presence, following the opening of its European offices earlier this year. According to the team statement, the expansion sees James Finch, an experienced financial manager, join as the Australian Managing Director. The KuCoin Australian offices will be headquartered in Sydney, with an experienced leadership team following James to ensure the swift expansion of Australian operations. The new offices will be situated at the heart of Sydney’s central business district, serving as the local hub for Australia. The expansion is part of KuCoin’s business plan to expand to global markets, following the opening of the KuCoin EU offices in Austria and the application of the MiCAR license. Once running, the Australian offices aim to create new skilled roles across compliance, operations, cybersecurity, and product development over the next 12 months. James Finch Appointed To Lead Australian Expansion As a former member of the Risk and Compliance Committee at OKX, James Finch brings a wealth of experience to KuCoin Australia. His appointment will kick off the hiring of similarly experienced leaders for the exchange’s Australian offices, many of whom have deep expertise across the country’s financial services sector. With a foundation in traditional financial services, corporate advisory, and extensive experience in mergers, acquisitions, and financial technology, James has spent his career at the intersection of conventional finance and innovation. James’s roles as Head of Operations at IFS Markets, manager at MiTrade, and Director at Number 7 Corporation align well with his experience in driving the expansion of KuCoin Australia, as KuCoin Global CEO BC Wong explained. “The appointment of James Pinch and our new Australian leadership team is a key element of our strategy and a clear signal of how serious we are about this market,” BC Wong stated. “We are one of the most innovative exchanges offering retail derivatives to Australian customers and are dedicated to delivering a regulated, connected, and converging future for digital and traditional finance to Australian customers.” The move to expand to Australia follows the ‘big-enough’ user base for KuCoin products and relaxed regulatory stances on crypto in the past year. According to James, KuCoin’s investment in local jobs and capabilities will help expand the Australian crypto ecosystem as well as adoption. It further demonstrates the exchange's commitment to growth in the region, reinforcing its dedication to local users, ensuring regulatory alignment, and providing institutional-grade security. The crypto industry and digital assets movement in the region are expected to explode in the next year, with projections anticipating a 20% growth to a projected total revenue of US$1.2 billion by 2026 . Pinch believes the growth should match the institutions in place to drive this growth, stating: “In return [to the expected growth], they need transparency, stability, and innovation – exactly what KuCoin provides. With our commitment to robust local engagement and top-tier security, we're here to support the next generation of Australian investors.” The KuCoin- Australian Connection The exchange already has a deep connection with Australia, with more than 360,000 citizens already registered as KuCoin global users. With a further 12% of adults already ingrained into the digital asset economy, the country provides ripe ground for mainstream crypto adoption. Notwithstanding, digital assets stand as the third-largest most commonly held asset, surpassing ETFs (9%) and international equities (10%), making the country one of the most primed regions for digital asset growth. Supporting Pinch’s statement, BC Wong, while opening the Australian offices and attending the Australian Crypto Convention (ACC), added, “The Australian market is maturing. Users and regulators alike are demanding higher standards of security and compliance. Our team’s mandate is to deliver world-class protection, deeper liquidity, and a transparent relationship with regulators.” Professional Golfer Adam Scott Joins KuCoin Ambassador Program In addition to sponsoring ACC, KuCoin Australia's marketing drive also saw the exchange announce a landmark global partnership with professional golfer, Masters champion, and Australian icon Adam Scott. Scott will also double up as KuCoin's Global Brand Ambassador, marking the first sports partnership for KuCoin. Speaking on the partnership, Adam Scott stated: "I've been following the crypto space for several years and have been impressed by KuCoin's commitment to security and transparency. As someone who values precision, discipline, and long-term thinking, I see these same qualities in how KuCoin approaches the market. Scott will use the KuCoin-branded golf bag in this year's Australian golf tournaments, including the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne in December, the Australian PGA Championship, and throughout the 2026 season. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
