In recent developments, a significant financial conglomerate, Mirae Asset Group, is reportedly moving forward with plans to acquire Korbit, one of South Korea’s prominent crypto exchanges. The estimated value of this acquisition ranges between 100 billion and 140 billion won, approximately translating to $70 million to $100 million.
An MOU has already been signed through Mirae Asset Consulting, which operates independently of Mirae’s regulated financial sectors, marking a crucial step in the negotiation process.
Mirae Asset and Stake Acquisition
Insiders indicate that the agreement mainly includes share acquisitions from NXC and SK Planet, the leading stakeholders of Korbit. Currently, NXC oversees about 60.5% and SK Planet at 31.5% of the shares, positioning Mirae Asset to negotiate terms for these holdings.
Korbit’s Role in the Domestic Crypto Landscape
Identified as South Korea’s fourth-largest crypto exchange, Korbit’s transaction volumes pale in comparison to its larger counterparts. Information reveals that Korbit commands a market share of less than 1%, while giants like Upbit and Bithumb continue to dominate local trading activity.
Reports suggest that Mirae Asset Group is charting new territory with potential plans to acquire Korbit. The MOU suggests a vested interest from major shareholders. Korbit remains primarily owned by NXC and SK Square…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) December 28, 2025
Why Mirae Asset is Pursuing Korbit
Industry analysts speculate that Mirae Asset is attracted to Korbit for two major reasons. For starters, acquiring a licensed operator streamlines access to the regulated cryptocurrency sector, an area that is rapidly evolving.
Additionally, collaborating with a non-financial affiliate allows the group to navigate legal regulations that often inhibit direct involvement from traditional banks in cryptocurrency trading.
Experts emphasize that even a smaller, licensed exchange can significantly aid a financial institution looking to offer trading and custody solutions in the wake of increasing demand for cryptocurrency services.
Regulatory Considerations and Future Steps
As negotiations progress, regulatory bodies are set to scrutinize any finalized agreements, although no official confirmations have come from either Mirae Asset or Korbit as of the latest updates.
Talks are underway for Mirae Asset to acquire Korbit, the fourth-biggest crypto exchange in South Korea, for about $100 million.
With this acquisition, banking institutions are signaling a burgeoning interest in the crypto marketplace…
— Crypto Town Hall (@Crypto_TownHall) December 29, 2025
Potential hurdles such as antitrust evaluations and compliance checks will be essential, and market analysts suggest that until formal agreements are made, all negotiations should be viewed as tentative.
Should the acquisition proceed, Mirae Asset would transition into ownership of a licensed exchange, a move that could set a precedent for other financial institutions looking to enter the cryptocurrency space. For Korbit, this could pave the way for increased investment and enhanced offerings to its users, although a significant change in the competitive landscape may take time, given the stronghold of the major players.
Image courtesy of Unsplash, chart provided by TradingView
