What did OKX Ventures announce regarding Coinone?

OKX Ventures agreed to invest KRW 80 billion ($53 million) for a 19.6% stake in South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Coinone. The deal is one of the largest recent investments by a global crypto company into South Korea's digital asset sector.

How much is the total Coinone investment deal worth?

The transaction is valued at KRW 160 billion ($106 million) in total. Korea Investment & Securities is making a matching KRW 80 billion investment, resulting in both investors holding equal 19.6% stakes.

Why is this investment important for OKX Ventures?

The investment expands OKX's exposure to South Korea, one of Asia's most active and regulated cryptocurrency markets. It also provides a strategic foothold in a major local exchange without requiring a full acquisition.

What does the deal mean for Coinone?

The investment strengthens Coinone's capital base and brings in two significant financial backers. Additional capital could support growth initiatives, product development and competitiveness within South Korea's crowded crypto exchange market.

Who will control Coinone after the transaction?

Coinone chief executive Cha Myunghun is expected to remain the largest shareholder with a 27.8% stake and continue managing the company. The transaction does not result in a change of control.

What role does Korea Investment & Securities play in the deal?

Korea Investment & Securities, one of South Korea's largest brokerages, will invest alongside OKX Ventures. Its participation signals growing interest from traditional financial institutions in the digital asset sector.

Why is South Korea an attractive crypto market?

South Korea has one of the world's most active retail cryptocurrency trading communities and a well-developed regulatory framework. The market is often viewed as strategically important for global crypto firms seeking growth in Asia.

What are the main bull and bear cases for Coinone after this investment?

The bull case is that fresh capital, strategic partnerships and stronger institutional backing could help Coinone expand its market position. The bear case is that intense competition among Korean exchanges and evolving regulations could limit growth.

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OKX Ventures acquires major Coinone stake

Written by Liezl GambePublished May 29, 2026, 7:02 AM

OKX Ventures has agreed to acquire a 19.6% stake in South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Coinone through an investment valued at KRW 80 billion ($53 million).

Korea Investment & Securities will make an identical KRW 80 billion investment, giving both firms equal ownership stakes in Coinone once the transaction receives regulatory approval.

The combined KRW 160 billion ($106 million) deal will be completed through a combination of secondary share purchases from existing shareholders and subscriptions for newly issued shares.

Following the investment, Coinone chief executive Cha Myunghun is expected to remain the company's largest shareholder with a 27.8% stake and retain management control.

Com2uS Holdings and its affiliates will hold approximately 25% of the exchange, while OKX Ventures and Korea Investment & Securities will become joint third-largest shareholders.

The transaction formalises discussions reported earlier this month regarding the potential acquisition of roughly 20% stakes in Coinone by both investors.

The investment represents one of the largest recent commitments by a global cryptocurrency company to South Korea's digital asset sector and highlights continued interest in the country's regulated crypto market.