Article details
South Korean brokerage Korea Investment & Securities is reportedly in talks to acquire a stake in crypto exchange Coinone, shifting focus from its previous CFD business that was suspended due to regulatory pressures. The firm has not finalized any agreement but is engaging with regulators and politicians to navigate potential ownership caps proposed in South Korea. This move aligns with broader industry trends, as competitors like Mirae Asset have already entered the crypto space via acquisitions. The proposed 20% ownership limit for major shareholders in domestic exchanges could force Coinone's current majority owner, Cha Myung-hoon, to reduce his stake. For markets, this signals a strategic pivot by traditional brokers toward crypto amid regulatory uncertainty. Traders should monitor how regulatory frameworks evolve in South Korea, as they could influence cross-border investment flows and market confidence in crypto assets. Key watchpoints include the finalization of ownership rules, Korea Investment's stake size, and potential ripple effects on other regional exchanges.
