KIS Seeks Investment in South Korean Crypto Exchange Coinone

Korea Investment & Securities (KIS), a prominent South Korean brokerage firm, has initiated talks with regulators and politicians for a potential investment in Coinone, a leading cryptocurrency exchange. This move is part of KIS's strategic expansion into the crypto market.

The proposed investment is significant, considering KIS's impressive financial performance in 2025, with a net profit of $1.3 billion. This could potentially boost the company's presence in the Asian cryptocurrency market.

The discussions come amidst a proposal to limit major shareholders' stakes in local crypto exchanges to 20%. If implemented, this regulation may lead to share sales by Coinone's chairman, Cha Myung-hoon, who currently owns 53.44% of the exchange.