South Korea’s Coinone is reportedly negotiating the sale of significant stakeholder shares to international cryptocurrency exchanges and domestic financial institutions, as stated by a company spokesperson on August 20, 2025. Chairman Cha Myung-hoon’s return to active operations has fueled speculation that the discussions are part of a broader restructuring plan amid ongoing financial losses and tightening regulations.
No official confirmation has been provided beyond the vague statement:
“We are discussing various cooperation plans, including equity investment, with overseas exchanges and domestic financial institutions, but specific details have not yet been determined.”
South Korea’s crypto sector faces increasing scrutiny, with upcoming regulations expected to impose stricter limits on shareholder stakes in major exchanges. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) and Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (KFIU) have been pushing for enhanced governance and capital requirements to reduce systemic risk and prevent market concentration.
These pressures are widely seen as the primary catalyst behind Coinone’s willingness to bring in new strategic investors. A successful equity deal could help Coinone meet future compliance thresholds while injecting fresh capital into a platform that has struggled with profitability in recent years.
A sale of major stakes to a global exchange partner could fundamentally alter Coinone’s ownership structure, operational strategy, and competitive standing in South Korea’s crypto exchange landscape.
Possible outcomes include:
Industry observers interpret Chairman Cha’s return to frontline management as preparation for such a transition.
The talks reflect a maturing and consolidating phase in South Korea’s crypto exchange sector. Similar ownership restructurings have occurred globally when regulatory tightening forces platforms to seek stronger partners or fresh capital.
If Coinone secures a credible international investor, it could stabilize its position and set a precedent for other local exchanges facing similar pressures. Conversely, failure to reach a deal could accelerate market share erosion toward larger competitors like Upbit and Bithumb.
