KuCoin Records $1.25 Trillion Trading Volume in 2025 as Market Share Hits All-Time High

KuCoin recorded over $1.25 trillion in total trading volume throughout 2025, marking the exchange’s strongest year on record. The figure translates to roughly $114 billion in average monthly volume and represents an all-time high share of centralized exchange activity. The performance arrived despite regulatory troubles that forced the platform to abandon the United States market earlier in the year.

The exchange’s 2025 results reflect changing trader preferences across the crypto sector. Platforms with extensive asset listings and competitive fees pulled volume from established operators. This pattern appeared across multiple trading categories, from traditional spot and derivatives markets to newer segments such as the best crypto casinos that integrate blockchain payment rails. KuCoin captured significant market share during a year when many competitors saw activity decline.

Volume Split Shows Balanced Growth Across Trading Products

Spot and derivatives markets each contributed over $500 billion to KuCoin’s annual total. The even distribution indicates broad-based platform usage rather than concentration in a single product category. October marked the strongest month for both segments, with spot volume reaching $79.2 billion and perpetuals hitting $92.1 billion as Bitcoin approached its cycle high above $126,000.

Volume held up during months that typically see trading slow. August activity jumped 73.4% above June levels, breaking the usual summer downturn seen in Western markets. Spot trading reached $53.1 billion in August, up 78% from June and nearly triple the $19.2 billion recorded in summer 2024. The numbers point to genuine user growth rather than price-driven spikes. Perpetuals averaged $67.9 billion monthly while spot markets averaged $46.1 billion across the full year.

Altcoin Demand Drives Majority of Platform Activity

Altcoins drove most of KuCoin’s volume in 2025. Their share of total trading climbed from 72.1% in June to over 80% by July and remained above that level through September. Bitcoin’s portion fell from 27.9% to under 20% during the same stretch. Ethereum and Solana held steady or declined slightly.

The altcoin focus sets KuCoin apart as a venue for traders chasing smaller tokens and emerging projects. The platform became a go-to destination for assets that major exchanges either don’t list or provide limited liquidity for. Competing platforms struggled to match KuCoin’s altcoin activity, which stayed below 50% of total volume on most rivals. The exchange converted its strength in alternative cryptocurrencies into sustained market share gains throughout 2025.

Market Share Peaks Despite Broader Volume Decline

The platform’s market share peaked at 1.89% in November, even as overall crypto volumes cooled and Bitcoin retreated from October highs. Trading activity expanded faster than aggregate centralized exchange volumes, which slowed during periods of reduced market volatility. The sticky user base suggests traders remained committed to the platform despite regulatory issues that dominated headlines earlier in the year.

KuCoin’s volume growth outpaced the broader centralized exchange market throughout 2025. While competing platforms saw activity contracts during low-volatility periods, KuCoin maintained elevated baseline trading levels. The divergence points to market share capture rather than sector-wide expansion, driving the exchange’s record performance.

Regulatory Compliance Strengthens After U.S. Settlement

KuCoin’s 2025 performance comes after the exchange pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business in the United States. The settlement required nearly $300 million in penalties and mandated a two-year exit from American markets. Founders Chun Gan and Ke Tang stepped down as part of the agreement with the authorities.

The exchange secured regulatory licenses in Australia and the European Union while pursuing additional approvals. The platform achieved SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications and maintained 36 consecutive months of proof-of-reserves verification. The $2 billion Trust Project launched in May targets enhanced asset protection and risk controls. Security upgrades and regulatory approvals gave KuCoin the tools to compete despite losing U.S. market access. The $1.25 trillion annual figure shows the platform expanded its global reach and captured trading flow across multiple crypto segments.