OKX Ventures Acquires Major Stake in Korean Exchange Coinone in $53M Deal

Key Highlights

• OKX Ventures acquires 19.6% ownership in Korean crypto platform Coinone for $53 million
• Korea Investment & Securities (KIS) matches the investment with an identical $53 million stake purchase
• Total transaction values 160 billion Korean won (approximately $106 million), subject to regulatory clearance
• CEO Cha Myunghun retains majority control with 27.8% ownership and continues leading operations
• Investment aligns with recent major moves including Samsung’s $408 million Dunamu investment and Mirae Asset’s Korbit acquisition

The venture capital division of international cryptocurrency platform OKX has finalized an agreement to acquire a 19.6% equity position in Korean digital asset exchange Coinone, valued at 80 billion Korean won—equivalent to approximately $53 million.

Korea Investment & Securities, ranking among South Korea’s premier brokerage houses, has committed to a matching investment. Following regulatory approval and deal closure, both entities will assume the position of joint third-largest stakeholders in Coinone.

The aggregate transaction reaches 160 billion won, translating to roughly $106 million. The investment structure combines purchases from current shareholders alongside subscriptions to newly created equity.

Coinone’s chief executive Cha Myunghun maintains his position as the platform’s primary individual stakeholder, holding 27.8% of shares. Management authority remains firmly under his control. Gaming corporation Com2uS Holdings along with related entities will possess 25% ownership.

Strategic Rationale Behind OKX’s Korean Market Entry

South Korea represents one of the planet’s most vibrant retail cryptocurrency markets. OKX vice president for global markets Netero Dai characterized the nation’s regulatory structure as “highly respected globally” and described the investment as demonstrating confidence in compliant financial systems.

This transaction follows Binance’s previous purchase of Korean platform Gopax. International cryptocurrency companies have actively pursued Korean market access as domestic appetite for digital currencies continues growing.

Coinone holds status as one of merely five exchanges authorized for legal operations within South Korea. This licensing grants it strategic value as a compliant gateway for any multinational firm targeting Korean customers.

Future Plans: Stablecoins and Tokenized Securities Development

Korea Investment & Securities announced intentions to collaborate with Coinone on security token initiatives and stablecoin projects. These plans emerge as Korean authorities develop comprehensive digital asset legislation known as the Digital Asset Basic Act.

That proposed legislation has encountered implementation delays, with uncertain timing for finalization. However, prominent financial institutions are advancing proactively, establishing crypto sector positions before formal regulations take effect.

OKX Ventures and Coinone additionally plan to exchange expertise regarding customer protection measures, security protocols, and risk mitigation strategies.

This Coinone transaction represents one component of expanding institutional capital flowing into Korean cryptocurrency infrastructure. Earlier this week, three Samsung affiliate companies revealed a $408 million investment securing 4% collective ownership in Dunamu, which operates Upbit—South Korea’s dominant crypto exchange.

Mirae Asset, overseeing more than $665 billion in managed assets, disclosed plans in February to obtain 92% ownership of Korbit. Leading financial institutions including KB Kookmin and Shinhan have established partnerships with blockchain protocols such as Solana and Avalanche for testing payment infrastructure utilizing stablecoins and tokenized deposits.

OKX officially verified the transaction on May 29, 2026. The announcement confirms prior reporting from Yonhap News indicating OKX and KIS were evaluating approximately 20% stake acquisitions in Coinone.

Regulatory authorization remains pending before transaction completion.

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