Kiwoom Securities eyes Bithumb stake in crypto push
6.7 Investments Kiwoom Securities is negotiating to acquire a stake in Bithumb, reflecting the growing interest of traditional finance in South Korea’s crypto sector.
Kiwoom Securities is in advanced talks to acquire a stake in Bithumb, South Korea’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. The negotiations center on a third-party allotment, with Bithumb set to issue new shares directly to Kiwoom Securities. However, the final investment amount and the size of the stake are still being determined. This move highlights a broader trend of traditional South Korean financial institutions entering the digital asset market. Several major firms are exploring or acquiring stakes in local crypto exchanges as the industry matures. Bithumb, a prominent global trading platform, has faced operational challenges, including a major system error in February 2026 that delayed its planned public listing. The potential deal underscores the increasing convergence of traditional finance and the digital asset sector in South Korea, amid evolving regulations and heightened scrutiny of crypto exchanges.
