According to ChainCatcher, citing the Korea Times, South Korean financial conglomerate Mirae Asset is considering acquiring the local cryptocurrency exchange Korbit. The report states that Mirae Asset is in talks to acquire approximately 92% of Korbit's shares, with a potential valuation of up to 140 billion won (approximately US$97 million).
Mirae Asset, headquartered in Seoul, is a major player in South Korea's traditional financial sector, with operations spanning asset management, wealth management, investment banking, and insurance. If the deal goes through, it will mark its first direct foray into cryptocurrency-related businesses. Reports indicate that Mirae Asset founder Park Hyun-joo has repeatedly emphasized exploring opportunities for the integration of traditional and digital assets in recent years.
Industry insiders point out that although Korbit has a limited market presence, its years of accumulated financial experience may help it drive differentiated development. Data shows that Korbit currently ranks fourth among the six compliant trading platforms in South Korea by trading volume, with a 24-hour trading volume of approximately $11.8 million, significantly lower than Upbit ($1.2 billion) and Bithumb ($475 million), while Coinone ranks third with approximately $580 million.
