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First KuCard rollout in Australia brings seamless crypto payments to millions of Mastercard merchants.
SYDNEY, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform, today announced the launch of direct crypto payments via Mastercard's global network for eligible users in Australia, enabling users to make everyday purchases using crypto wherever Mastercard is accepted. Through a partnership with Immersve, a principal member of the Mastercard network, the solution allows users to make crypto-backed purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted, including via Apple Pay and Google Pay—advancing KuCoin's commitment to trust-first infrastructure and the real-world utility of digital assets.
Through the integration, USDC can be used to fund everyday spending in real time at the point of sale. At launch, the service supports 37 USDC trading pairs, enabling eligible users to pay with supported digital assets. At checkout, digital assets are converted to fiat currency for settlement through Mastercard's global payment network—so users can pay with a familiar card experience without manually pre-converting funds ahead of time.
The launch reflects KuCoin's broader trust-first strategy—strengthening security, transparency and compliance while expanding practical, real-world crypto usage. KuCoin continues to invest in resilient infrastructure for users and partners, focused on reinforcing confidence in the digital-asset ecosystem through security and accountability initiatives.
BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin, said: "Making digital assets useful in the real world requires trusted infrastructure—secure rails, clear compliance standards, and user-first protections. This launch brings Mastercard acceptance to our users in Australia, builds on our AUSTRAC DCE registration, reflecting KuCoin's commitment to responsible innovation and the everyday utility of crypto as it integrates into global finance. This solution empowers our users to spend their assets easily, securely, and globally—wherever Mastercard is accepted."
James Pinch, Australian Managing Director of KuCoin, added: "Australia is a fast-moving market for digital asset adoption. For everyday users, utility is the turning point. KuCard helps connect digital assets to real commerce through a familiar Mastercard payment experience—supporting broader adoption while reinforcing the importance of security, governance, and responsible innovation."
"Collaborating with well-known and trusted brands like Mastercard and KuCoin is a major step toward mainstream adoption of digital assets for everyday purchases," said Jerome Faury, CEO of Immersve. "Immersve is building the bridges between web3 and traditional finance on a global scale that enable individuals to spend crypto everywhere Mastercard is accepted. It's a game-changer for everyone."
Christian Rau, Senior Vice President of Digital Commercialization of Mastercard, added: "The partnership with KuCoin and Immersve is another example of Mastercard's ongoing commitment to responsible innovation in the Web3 space. By enabling the spending of digital assets at scale in a safe, secure, and compliant way, we're helping digital assets become truly usable in everyday life."
About KuCoin
Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust and security, serving over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Known for its reliability and user-first approach, the platform combines advanced technology, deep liquidity, and strong security safeguards to deliver a seamless trading experience. KuCoin provides access to 1,500+ digital assets through a broad product suite and remains committed to building transparent, compliant, and user-centric digital asset infrastructure for the future of finance, backed by SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019 Certifications. In recent years, we have built a strong global compliance foundation, marked by key milestones including AUSTRAC registration in Australia, a MiCA license in Europe, and regulatory progress in other markets.
Learn more: www.kucoin.com
About Immersve
Immersve is a principal member of the Mastercard network. Its issuing-as-a-service platform supports both centralised and decentralised payment experiences. Exchanges, web3 wallets and DeFi protocols can easily integrate with Immersve's APIs and smart contracts to transact everywhere Mastercard is accepted, with no bank or fiat involved. Immersve is a regulated entity.
For more information go to www.immersve.com.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
www.mastercard.com
Axis One Markets Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Immersve Pty Ltd (ACN 658 192 057, AFSL No. 545925) and is authorised to provide certain financial services in respect of 'KuCard' on Immersve's behalf, limited to the scope of its Corporate Authorised Representative agreement with Immersve Pty Ltd. 'KuCard' is issued or provided by Immersve Pty Ltd, and it is solely responsible for the issuance of that product, including all associated disclosures and obligations under its Australian financial services licence. Immersve Pty Ltd is not responsible for any financial products or services issued by Echuca Trading Pty Ltd. Before acquiring or using any such financial product or service, you should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement ("PDS"), Financial Services Guide ("FSG"), Target Market Determination ("TMD"), and any other disclosure documents issued by Immersve Pty Ltd.
First KuCard rollout in Australia brings seamless crypto payments to millions of Mastercard merchants.
SYDNEY, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform, today announced the launch of direct crypto payments via Mastercard's global network for eligible users in Australia, enabling users to make everyday purchases using crypto wherever Mastercard is accepted. Through a partnership with Immersve, a principal member of the Mastercard network, the solution allows users to make crypto-backed purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted, including via Apple Pay and Google Pay—advancing KuCoin's commitment to trust-first infrastructure and the real-world utility of digital assets.
Through the integration, USDC can be used to fund everyday spending in real time at the point of sale. At launch, the service supports 37 USDC trading pairs, enabling eligible users to pay with supported digital assets. At checkout, digital assets are converted to fiat currency for settlement through Mastercard's global payment network—so users can pay with a familiar card experience without manually pre-converting funds ahead of time.
The launch reflects KuCoin's broader trust-first strategy—strengthening security, transparency and compliance while expanding practical, real-world crypto usage. KuCoin continues to invest in resilient infrastructure for users and partners, focused on reinforcing confidence in the digital-asset ecosystem through security and accountability initiatives.
BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin, said: "Making digital assets useful in the real world requires trusted infrastructure—secure rails, clear compliance standards, and user-first protections. This launch brings Mastercard acceptance to our users in Australia, builds on our AUSTRAC DCE registration, reflecting KuCoin's commitment to responsible innovation and the everyday utility of crypto as it integrates into global finance. This solution empowers our users to spend their assets easily, securely, and globally—wherever Mastercard is accepted."
James Pinch, Australian Managing Director of KuCoin, added: "Australia is a fast-moving market for digital asset adoption. For everyday users, utility is the turning point. KuCard helps connect digital assets to real commerce through a familiar Mastercard payment experience—supporting broader adoption while reinforcing the importance of security, governance, and responsible innovation."
"Collaborating with well-known and trusted brands like Mastercard and KuCoin is a major step toward mainstream adoption of digital assets for everyday purchases," said Jerome Faury, CEO of Immersve. "Immersve is building the bridges between web3 and traditional finance on a global scale that enable individuals to spend crypto everywhere Mastercard is accepted. It's a game-changer for everyone."
Christian Rau, Senior Vice President of Digital Commercialization of Mastercard, added: "The partnership with KuCoin and Immersve is another example of Mastercard's ongoing commitment to responsible innovation in the Web3 space. By enabling the spending of digital assets at scale in a safe, secure, and compliant way, we're helping digital assets become truly usable in everyday life."
About KuCoin
Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust and security, serving over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Known for its reliability and user-first approach, the platform combines advanced technology, deep liquidity, and strong security safeguards to deliver a seamless trading experience. KuCoin provides access to 1,500+ digital assets through a broad product suite and remains committed to building transparent, compliant, and user-centric digital asset infrastructure for the future of finance, backed by SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019 Certifications. In recent years, we have built a strong global compliance foundation, marked by key milestones including AUSTRAC registration in Australia, a MiCA license in Europe, and regulatory progress in other markets.
Learn more: www.kucoin.com
About Immersve
Immersve is a principal member of the Mastercard network. Its issuing-as-a-service platform supports both centralised and decentralised payment experiences. Exchanges, web3 wallets and DeFi protocols can easily integrate with Immersve's APIs and smart contracts to transact everywhere Mastercard is accepted, with no bank or fiat involved. Immersve is a regulated entity.
For more information go to www.immersve.com.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
www.mastercard.com
Axis One Markets Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Immersve Pty Ltd (ACN 658 192 057, AFSL No. 545925) and is authorised to provide certain financial services in respect of 'KuCard' on Immersve's behalf, limited to the scope of its Corporate Authorised Representative agreement with Immersve Pty Ltd. 'KuCard' is issued or provided by Immersve Pty Ltd, and it is solely responsible for the issuance of that product, including all associated disclosures and obligations under its Australian financial services licence. Immersve Pty Ltd is not responsible for any financial products or services issued by Echuca Trading Pty Ltd. Before acquiring or using any such financial product or service, you should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement ("PDS"), Financial Services Guide ("FSG"), Target Market Determination ("TMD"), and any other disclosure documents issued by Immersve Pty Ltd.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
KuCoin Launches KuCard on Mastercard's Global Network in Australia, Advancing Real-World Crypto Payments
PR Summary
XTEP International, a leading global performance running brand, has opened six new stores in key Malaysian cities, advancing its aggressive Southeast Asia expansion strategy. The launch aligns with surging running demand and government support via Malaysia Aktif and a RM580 million sports budget. XTEP introduced its 360X 3.0 running shoes tailored for local conditions and will host the XTEP 10KM TIME TRIAL. The six stores mark only the start; XTEP plans significant further retail growth to build a full running ecosystem across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- XTEP International Limited, a leading global performance running brand, today announced the opening of six new stores in key commercial hubs across Malaysia, marking a significant milestone in the brand's strategic expansion across Southeast Asia. The move underscores XTEP's long-term confidence in Malaysia's dynamic running market and confirms plans to grow its retail network well beyond six locations in the country.
Malaysia has emerged as a high-priority market for XTEP, fueled by explosive growth in running participation and strong government support for sports development. The 2025 Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon drew a record 42,000 participants, while local race series HSNKL has expanded from 9,000 debut runners to 15,000 today. Supported by the national Malaysia Aktif initiative and a RM580 million allocation for sports development in the 2026 budget, Malaysia offers powerful tailwinds for performance running innovation and community building.
The six new stores are strategically located in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, and Shah Alam, serving as core destinations for running enthusiasts. Designed under XTEP's Retail + Community model, these spaces go beyond traditional retail to function as immersive running centers where athletes can test performance footwear, connect with local running clubs, join group training sessions, and engage with product experts.
To address the unique terrain, climate and training needs of Malaysian runners, XTEP has introduced its 360X 3.0 performance running series with the store openings. Engineered for daily training and competitive racing, the collection delivers optimized cushioning, stability and durability, reflecting XTEP's commitment to athlete-driven, localized innovation.
Complementing its retail expansion, XTEP will host the XTEP 10KM TIME TRIAL in Kuala Lumpur. With 1,500 available slots attracting nearly 10,000 registrations, the event highlights strong demand for professional, organized running competition. XTEP will provide participants with premium performance gear to support athletes in pursuing personal bests.
"Malaysia is a cornerstone of XTEP's global strategy and our gateway to Southeast Asia," said a spokesperson for XTEP International. "These six new stores are just the start. We are committed to scaling our retail footprint, building a comprehensive running ecosystem, and becoming the leading performance running brand in the region. XTEP is dedicated to empowering runners through innovative product, professional events and authentic community engagement."
With an expanding retail network, athlete-centric product design and community-focused events, XTEP is positioned to capture significant growth in Southeast Asia's rapidly expanding sports market. As the brand continues its global momentum, Malaysian runners will gain enhanced access to world-class performance running products and experiences.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
XTEP Fortifies Southeast Asia Push With 6 New Stores In Malaysia
