KuCoin invests in Australian sponsorships of the ACC, plus a major campaign with golf icon Adam Scott
KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, 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. 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.”
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 BC. “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.”
Building trust in the Australian market
As part of its long-term commitment to the local sector, KuCoin will also be a sponsor this week at the Australian Crypto Convention in 2025, connecting directly with the community and supporting the industry’s professional growth.
Additionally, to mark its investment in Australia, KuCoin has partnered with professional golfer, Masters champion, and Australian icon Adam Scott in a nationwide campaign themed: “Integrity First. Trading on KuCoin Next.” celebrating trust, stability, and reliability. 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.
"I've been following the crypto space for several years and have been impressed by KuCoin's commitment to security and transparency," said Adam. "As someone who values precision, discipline and long-term thinking, I see these same qualities in how KuCoin approaches the market. I'm proud to partner with a platform that's raising the bar for the entire industry, and I'm looking forward to engaging with the Australian crypto community through this partnership."
