Korea Investment & Securities Exploring Stake in Coinone Amidst New Crypto Ownership Rules

TLDR

• Korea Investment & Securities is evaluating a stake in Coinone as South Korea prepares to implement a 20% ownership limit for crypto exchanges.
• Discussions regarding a Coinone stake are gaining momentum due to the introduction of new cryptocurrency ownership regulations.
• Korea Investment & Securities is considering acquiring a stake in Coinone to broaden its presence in the digital asset market.
• The upcoming ownership cap may necessitate a restructuring of Coinone’s stake soon.
• A stake in Coinone has become a significant target amid South Korea’s evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

(SeaPRwire) –   South Korea’s financial industry is undergoing changes, with Korea Investment & Securities currently reviewing a potential stake in Coinone in light of new ownership regulations. The ongoing discussions about a Coinone stake reflect broader shifts in how crypto exchanges are controlled. At this stage, the process concerning the Coinone stake is in its early phases, and no definitive agreement or structure has been disclosed.

Korea Investment & Securities Advances Coinone Stake Review

Korea Investment & Securities has commenced internal assessments regarding a potential acquisition of a stake in Coinone. The firm is also in communication with regulatory bodies and policymakers to explore compliance strategies. This initiative to acquire a Coinone stake is in line with the evolving rules governing ownership of cryptocurrency exchanges.

The brokerage firm intends to enhance its digital asset operations through a strategic investment in Coinone. Furthermore, the company possesses substantial financial resources, bolstered by strong earnings in 2025. The opportunity to acquire a Coinone stake aligns with its strategic goals for expansion into regulated cryptocurrency infrastructure.

Industry sources suggest that these discussions are still in their preliminary stages, with no final terms agreed upon by either party. Korea Investment & Securities is continuing its evaluation of valuation metrics and potential deal structures. Consequently, the process for acquiring a Coinone stake could accelerate if regulatory clarity improves.

Regulatory Cap Drives Coinone Stake Momentum

South Korea is moving forward with a proposal to limit the ownership stake of major shareholders in cryptocurrency exchanges to 20%. This proposed regulation will directly affect current ownership arrangements, including the stake held by Coinone’s chairman. A sale of a portion of Coinone’s stake could become a necessary step to comply with this new rule.

The proposed regulatory framework provides exchanges with a three-year period to adjust their ownership structures to meet the cap. As a result, existing majority shareholders might reduce their holdings while still retaining operational influence. In this context, a partial transfer of Coinone’s stake offers a feasible solution under the new regulatory environment.

Regulators aim to improve corporate governance and reduce concentrated ownership risks across digital asset platforms. Additionally, policymakers are seeking to bring cryptocurrency markets more in line with traditional financial oversight standards. The review of a Coinone stake reflects both regulatory pressures and institutional interest in establishing compliant operational frameworks.

Industry Competition Intensifies Around Coinone Stake

The discussions surrounding a Coinone stake are occurring amidst heightened competition among major financial conglomerates. Mirae Asset Group has already taken steps to secure a controlling interest in Korbit. Korea Investment & Securities views the potential acquisition of a Coinone stake as a strategic move within this competitive sector.

Despite reporting losses in recent years, Coinone has managed to increase its market share. Its standing as a prominent exchange continues to attract interest from institutional investors. A stake in Coinone remains an attractive prospect for companies looking to enter the digital asset services market.

Other companies have explored acquisition possibilities, but valuation discrepancies have hindered progress in the past. Korea Investment & Securities brings significant capital resources to the negotiation process. As a result, talks regarding a Coinone stake could gain momentum if both parties reach an agreement on pricing.

The broader market is also experiencing consolidation trends, driven by regulatory changes and the pursuit of economies of scale. Companies are aligning their digital asset strategies with long-term financial integration objectives. The ongoing review of a Coinone stake signifies a broader transformation in the structure of South Korea’s cryptocurrency industry.

Coinone has acknowledged ongoing discussions with several potential partners but has not yet selected a specific entity. Korea Investment & Securities has also stated that no final decisions have been made. The process concerning a Coinone stake remains open as regulatory and market conditions continue to evolve.