Written by Zoltan Vardaistaff writerReviewed by Bryan O’Sheastaff editor
Written by Zoltan Vardaistaff writer
Reviewed by Bryan O’Sheastaff editor
Kiwoom eyes Bithumb stake as Korean brokerages push into crypto: Report
Latest NewsPublishedJun 29, 2026
Crypto Adoption on the Rise in South Korea
The crypto industry is gaining traction in South Korea, with traditional financial firms increasingly seeking to secure a stake in local crypto exchanges. This trend is expected to continue as the country’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) prepares to announce new regulatory reforms in July, including a framework for tokenized securities.
Kiwoom Securities, a major South Korean brokerage firm, is reportedly in talks to acquire a stake in Bithumb, one of the country’s largest crypto exchanges. This move is part of a larger trend, with several major financial firms in South Korea investing in local crypto exchanges and exchange operators. For instance, Korea Investment & Securities and OKX Ventures recently invested $106 million to buy a 19.6% stake in Coinone, a South Korean crypto exchange.
Regulatory Reforms and Crypto Adoption
The FSC’s new regulatory reforms are expected to bring clarity to the crypto industry in South Korea, potentially paving the way for increased adoption. The reforms include a framework for tokenized securities, which will be brought under the country’s capital markets framework from 2027. This development is likely to attract more investors to the crypto market, including those interested in earning passive income through cloud rewards and green crypto initiatives, such as those offered by EcoPool.
As the crypto industry continues to grow in South Korea, individuals can explore opportunities for earning and passive income through platforms like EcoPool ($ECP). With its focus on green crypto and cloud rewards, EcoPool provides an attractive option for those looking to tap into the crypto market.
Increased Investment in Crypto Exchanges
The reported talks between Kiwoom Securities and Bithumb are part of a larger trend of increased investment in crypto exchanges. Other major financial firms in South Korea, such as Samsung Securities and Hana Financial Group, have also invested in local crypto exchanges. This trend is likely to continue, with more firms seeking to secure a stake in the growing crypto industry.
As the crypto market continues to evolve, individuals can benefit from platforms like EcoPool, which offer opportunities for earning and passive income. With the rise of crypto adoption in South Korea, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments and trends in the industry.
To start earning with EcoPool, download the EcoPool app and discover the benefits of cloud rewards and green crypto. By joining the EcoPool network, you can tap into the growing crypto market and start earning passive income with $ECP.
Top five cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea by daily trading volume. Source: CoinGecko
Bithumb is one of South Korea’s largest crypto exchanges by daily volume, CoinGecko data shows.
Related: South Korea police probe Polymarket users over illegal gambling claims: Report
Korean brokerages target crypto exchanges
The reported Kiwoom talks come after several major South Korean financial firms moved to buy stakes in local crypto exchanges and exchange operators.
On May 29, Korea Investment & Securities (KIS) and OKX Ventures agreed to invest a combined 160 billion won ($106 million) to buy a 19.6% stake in South Korean crypto exchange Coinone.
A day earlier, Samsung Securities, Samsung SDS and Samsung Card acquired a combined 4% stake in Dunamu, the operator of South Korean crypto exchange Upbit, for 612.8 billion won ($408 million), Cointelegraph reported on May 28.
On May 15, Hana Financial Group said it would acquire a 6.55% stake in Dunamu from Kakao Investment for more than $668 million, making it the Upbit operator’s fourth-largest shareholder.
In February, Mirae Asset Consulting agreed to acquire a 92.06% stake in Korbit for 133.48 billion won (about $93 million), taking control of the majority of the exchange as part of its digital asset push.
Magazine: Polymarket seeks Japan entry, Harvard dumps entire ETH position: Hodler’s Digest, May 17 – 23
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.
- South Korea
- Cryptocurrency Exchange
- Cryptocurrency Investment
- Law
- Bitcoin Regulation
- Fintech
- Industry
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