KuCoin, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, is overhauling its user asset management as regulators tighten oversight of the sector.
The company has rolled out a proof-of-reserves system designed to show it holds enough crypto to match all customer deposits. It works through a method called Merkle Tree verification, which allows users to check that their own funds are part of the exchange’s total reserves, without revealing any private account information.
The change follows growing concerns about the safety of funds held on centralised exchanges, especially after several platforms shut down and users were unable to get their money back.
With regulatory pressure mounting, firms are being compelled to provide independently verifiable safeguards rather than relying solely on trust.
For institutional clients, KuCoin has introduced a custody service in partnership with BitGo, a Singapore-based firm licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The arrangement keeps client assets separate from the exchange’s own and includes insurance coverage of up to $250 million in the event of theft or system failure.
KuCoin is also seeking regulatory approval in Europe. The exchange is applying for a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) licence, which will soon be required for crypto operators in the European Union.
This move is part of KuCoin’s $2 billion “Trust Project,” an initiative focused on being more transparent with user assets, offering safer ways to store funds, and preparing to meet global regulatory standards.
In addition, it is undergoing a SOC 2 Type II audit—an independent review that evaluates the strength of its internal controls and data protection systems.
While some of the changes are tailored for institutions, KuCoin states that the broader goal is to provide all users with more visibility and control over their assets. The company’s updates reflect a growing shift in the crypto industry, one where trust is expected to come from systems that users can verify, not from brand reputation alone.
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