South Korean broker Korea Investment & Securities (KIS) is reportedly evaluating a possible investment in crypto exchange Coinone, though neither side has finalized any deal.
According to the Korea Herald, people familiar with the matter say KIS has begun outreach to regulators and lawmakers as part of a broader review related to taking a stake in Coinone. Coinone has said no specific transaction has been decided.
The discussions take place against the backdrop of a proposed government restriction that would limit major shareholders’ stakes in domestic crypto exchanges to 20%. Reports say the ruling party’s digital asset task force and the Financial Services Commission reached an understanding on March 4 that exchanges would have three years from the law’s enforcement to adjust ownership structures.
Coinone’s chairman, Cha Myung-hoon, is reported to control about 53.44% of the company, so selling part of his holding is one possible route to comply if the cap becomes law. Media reports indicate he might still retain management control even after a stake sale.
If KIS moves forward, it would join other large financial groups pursuing positions in Korea’s crypto sector. Earlier this year Mirae Asset Group agreed to buy a controlling stake in Korbit. Naver Financial also announced in late 2025 plans for an all-stock deal to acquire Dunamu, operator of Upbit, though that proposed share swap was later delayed amid regulatory scrutiny and weakening trading volumes.
KIS has been mentioned as a credible buyer after reporting a net profit of more than 2 trillion won (roughly $1.3 billion) in 2025, according to Hankyung. Both KIS and Coinone have said no binding agreements are in place.
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