At the CoinFerenceX Summit in Singapore on September 30, 2025, Alicia Kao, Managing Director of KuCoin, addressed the evolving role of cryptocurrency exchanges during a panel discussion titled “Exchanges Beyond Trading: Gatekeepers or Gate-Openers of the Digital Asset Economy.” Kao emphasized that exchanges must act as both trusted gatekeepers, ensuring user security, and open gateways that facilitate broader participation in the digital asset landscape.
Kao reiterated KuCoin’s commitment to embedding trust and compliance at the core of its operations. The exchange is enhancing its compliance measures and anti-money laundering monitoring through the application of artificial intelligence. This effort is complemented by the introduction of intelligent trading tools designed to empower users with better decision-making capabilities.
KuCoin is also revitalizing its focus on blockchain fundamentals. The recent relaunch of its KuMining product saw a remarkable response, with a 1,500,000 TH/s Bitcoin hashrate selling out rapidly, indicating a robust market demand. This initiative reflects KuCoin’s strategy to drive real-world utility by offering payment solutions in various countries, thereby integrating digital assets into daily life as global regulatory frameworks become clearer.
In her address, Kao highlighted KuCoin’s approach to investment and local market development. She emphasized the company’s dedication to unlocking value across the industry through KuCoin Ventures. This includes significant investments, such as a recent funding round for Stable, the world’s first high-throughput Layer 1 blockchain powered by USDT. Unlike many exchanges that focus on short-term token launches, KuCoin is committed to supporting startups that tackle fundamental challenges in finance, payments, and local adoption.
Kao also noted that while obtaining licenses is crucial, the greater challenge lies in ensuring user protection, akin to the responsibilities of regulators. “Getting a license is just the first step—the real challenge is protecting users, just like the regulators do,” she stated. Although KuCoin does not manage a large fund, the organization remains open to supporting responsible teams and entrepreneurs dedicated to integrating blockchain technology into real-world applications with a long-term vision.
By participating in CoinFerenceX, Alicia Kao reaffirmed KuCoin’s mission to be “the exchange of trust for global users.” She underscored that innovation, compliance, and responsible investment are essential drivers shaping the future of the digital asset economy.
Founded in 2017, KuCoin has established itself as a leading global cryptocurrency platform, serving over 40 million users across more than 200 countries and regions. The platform is recognized for its reliability and employs advanced blockchain technology, ensuring robust liquidity solutions and user account protections to create a secure trading environment. KuCoin provides access to over 1,000 digital assets and offers various services including a Web3 wallet, spot and futures trading, institutional services, and payment solutions.
Under the leadership of CEO BC Wong, KuCoin has received accolades such as being named one of the “Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges” by Forbes and recognized as a “Top 50 Global Unicorn” by Hurun. The exchange holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certifications, reflecting its commitment to security, compliance, and innovation.
As the digital asset economy continues to evolve, KuCoin aims to play a pivotal role in shaping its future through trust, compliance, and innovative solutions.
