Canada Fines KuCoin Record $14 Million for AML Failures

Core Points - Canada's financial intelligence unit, FINTRAC, has imposed a record fine of C$19.6 million ($14 million) on Peken Global Limited, the operator of crypto exchange KuCoin, for non-compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations [1][2] - KuCoin failed to register as a foreign money services business and did not report nearly 3,000 large virtual currency transactions exceeding C$10,000 from 2021 to 2024, along with neglecting to file 33 suspicious transaction reports [2] - The breaches were classified by FINTRAC as "serious" to "very serious," indicating a significant risk to the integrity of financial systems against money laundering and terrorist financing [2][4] Regulatory Context - Canada has tightened oversight of payment providers, with the Retail Payment Activities Act coming into effect on September 8, placing wallet and stablecoin operators under the supervision of the Bank of Canada [3] - The Bank of Canada has outlined implementation milestones and a registration framework to enhance safeguards for funds and risk controls [3] Company Response - KuCoin has appealed the fine to Canada's Federal Court, labeling it as "excessive and punitive" and disputing its classification as a foreign money services business [5][6] - The company emphasizes its commitment to transparent operations and compliance with applicable laws, despite previous regulatory issues, including a nearly $300 million settlement in the United States for operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business [6] Industry Trends - Canadian enforcement actions have intensified, with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police dismantling TradeOgre and confiscating C$56 million from another unregistered exchange [7] - Japan has also taken action against KuCoin, banning it along with four other platforms for operating without proper registration [7]