Global crypto platform KuCoin announced the appointment of James Pinch as the Australian Managing Director, the establishment of a local headquarters in Sydney and a leadership team for its expanding Australian operations.
KuCoin’s new Sydney office, located in the CBD, will serve as the local hub for Australia, creating new skilled roles across compliance, operations, cybersecurity, and product development over the next 12 months.
James Pinch’s appointment forms part of a broader leadership build-out, with deep experience across the Australian financial services sector, and the company is actively recruiting.
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 traditional finance and innovation.
He has founded and scaled multiple disruptor businesses within the trading, brokerage, and fintech sectors, each built around efficiency and transparency.
These moves signal KuCoin’s commitment to growing in the region, reinforcing its dedication to local users, ensuring regulatory alignment, and institutional-grade security.
James said,” KuCoin is doubling down on Australia, investing in local jobs and capability, which is great news for the local crypto industry,”
“Investors down under are serious about digital assets and the industry is projected to continue to grow in the coming year by almost 20% to a projected total revenue of US$1.2bn by 2026,” said James
“In return, 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.” he said.
More than 360,000 Australians already use KuCoin’s global platform, as digital assets move from niche adoption to mainstream investment.
Twelve percent of Australian adults currently hold digital assets – a rate that positions cryptocurrency as the third most commonly held asset.
This surpasses exchange-traded funds at nine percent and international equities at ten percent, thereby cementing Australia’s standing among the world’s active crypto markets.
The global cryptocurrency market capitalisation has peaked close to $6.5 trillion AUD, reflecting its transition from speculative investment to an established asset class.
BC Wong, Global CEO of KuCoin visited Australia this week to open the new office and attend the Australian Crypto Convention (ACC), which the business sponsored for the first time.
This was timed to coincide with the business’s first Australian marketing campaign featuring professional golfer, Masters champion, and Australian icon Adam Scott.
“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.
“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,” said Wong.
“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.” he said.
Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust, serving over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. It offers access to 1,000+ digital assets and solutions, including Web3 wallet, Spot and Futures trading, institutional services, and payments
