KuCoin (founded 2017) and Binance (founded 2017) are both global exchanges known for broad altcoin selection, founded the same year. Their EU standing differs: KuCoin's EU entity, KuCoin EU Exchange GmbH, holds a full MiCA CASP authorisation granted by Austria's FMA on 27/11/2025, confirmed on the ESMA register — but the FMA barred KuCoin EU from new business on 19/02/2026 over anti-money-laundering staffing gaps, and per the FMA's own release, commencement of business operations remained prohibited under a separate order as of our last check, so treat it as licensed but restricted. Binance has no confirmed EU MiCA CASP authorisation as of our latest check. Binance remains the larger exchange by reported volume where it operates. Neither is universally "better"; verify current availability for your country. We publish no fees or ratings and this is information, not financial advice.
Crypto exchange comparison
KuCoin vs Binance: an honest, regulation-first comparison
By Exchange Atlas Editorial Team · Last updated 8 July 2026
KuCoin vs Binance: the verified facts
| Exchange | Licence & regulatory status | maker-taker-fee | supported-coins | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KuCoin Founded 2017 | EU MiCA CASP | — | — | |
| Binance Founded 2017 | EU MiCA CASP | — | — |
Only fields we can verify (licence status, founding year) are shown. We publish no fees or ratings we have not confirmed.
How do they compare on the facts?
Both exchanges were founded in 2017 and are both known for a broad selection of altcoins alongside derivatives products. The clearest verifiable difference is EU MiCA CASP status: KuCoin holds a confirmed authorisation via Austria, checkable on the ESMA register, though subject to a documented regulatory restriction; Binance has no confirmed authorisation at all as of our latest check. We publish no fee schedules, supported-coin counts, withdrawal limits or ratings we have not verified against each exchange's current pages.
Neither position is a clean pass. KuCoin's licence is real but came with an FMA-imposed new-business bar that lifted 18/05/2026, though the FMA's release indicates a broader operating prohibition reportedly remained in force at last check. Binance simply has no confirmed EU authorisation to weigh against that. Binance's larger reported trading volume is a genuine strength where it operates, independent of the EU licensing question.
Regulation and restrictions
KuCoin's Austrian FMA authorisation, granted 27/11/2025, is confirmed on the ESMA register — a real, verifiable licence. But the FMA barred KuCoin EU from new business between 19/02/2026 and 18/05/2026 over anti-money-laundering staffing gaps, and per the FMA's own press release, commencement of business operations remained prohibited under a separate enforcement order as of our last check. That is a materially different position from a clean, unrestricted authorisation — verify KuCoin EU's current operating status directly with the FMA before relying on it.
Binance is private, has faced sustained regulatory scrutiny across multiple jurisdictions, and has no confirmed EU MiCA CASP authorisation to date. Its UK entity, Binance Markets Ltd, had its FCA permissions cancelled in 2023. Neither exchange currently offers a clean, unqualified regulatory story in the EU or UK — both require the reader to check the live status before assuming access.
Who suits whom
If you want the exchange with an actual EU licence on file, even a restricted one, KuCoin's confirmed-but-limited Austrian authorisation is more evidence than Binance can currently offer. If you weight sheer scale and liquidity above regulatory documentation and are outside the EU, Binance's larger reported volume may matter more to you, subject to your own country's rules.
Both are known for broad altcoin selection and derivatives access, so leverage risk applies to both regardless of which you choose. Confirm which entity serves your country, check the FMA's current release for KuCoin's operating status, and read the terms before depositing on either. This is information, not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is KuCoin fully licensed in the EU?
KuCoin's EU entity holds a full MiCA CASP authorisation granted by Austria's FMA on 27/11/2025, confirmed on the ESMA register — the licence itself is genuine. However, the FMA barred KuCoin EU from new business between 19/02/2026 and 18/05/2026 over AML-staffing gaps, and per the FMA's release, commencement of business operations remained prohibited under a separate order as of our last check. Treat this as licensed but restricted and verify KuCoin's current operating status with the FMA before depositing. This is information, not financial advice.
Does Binance have an EU licence?
No, Binance has no confirmed EU MiCA CASP authorisation as of our latest check — its status remains pending/unauthorised. This differs from KuCoin, whose Austrian entity does hold a confirmed (though FMA-restricted) authorisation. Always verify current status directly with the ESMA register and your national regulator before depositing. This is information, not financial advice.
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