According to reports, Mirae Asset Group is in advanced talks to buy Korbit, South Korea’s long-running crypto exchange, in a deal valued at about 100 billion to 140 billion won — roughly $70 million to $100 million.
The memorandum of understanding was reportedly signed through Mirae Asset Consulting, an affiliate outside the group’s regulated financial arm, as part of the preliminary purchase talks.
Mirae Asset Signs MOU With Major Shareholders
Sources say the agreement covers most of the stakes held by NXC and SK Planet, which together control the firm. Korbit’s ownership is reported at about 60.5% for NXC (the Nexon holding company) and 31.5% for SK Planet, with Mirae Asset negotiating to buy those shares.
Korbit’s Position In South Korea’s Market
Korbit is described as the fourth-largest exchange in South Korea, but its trading volume is small compared with the market leaders. Reports put its market share under 1%, while Upbit and Bithumb continue to handle the bulk of local trading.
According to The Chosun Daily, Mirae Asset Group is in talks to acquire Korbit, South Korea’s fourth-largest crypto exchange. Mirae Asset Consulting has signed an MOU with major shareholders. Korbit is currently ~60.5% owned by NXC and subsidiaries, with SK Square holding ~31.5%....
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) December 28, 2025
Why A Big Financial Group Is Interested
Based on reports, Mirae Asset sees two practical advantages: first, buying an existing, licensed operator gives faster access to regulated crypto business lines.
Second, using a non-financial affiliate helps the group navigate rules that restrict direct involvement by banks and insurers in virtual asset trading.
Industry observers have flagged that a licensed exchange — even a small one — can be valuable to a large financial house aiming to offer custody or trading services under local rules.
Regulatory Hurdles And Next Steps
Regulators are expected to review any final deal, and no confirmation has been issued by either Mirae Asset or Korbit as of reporting.
MIRAE ASSET IN TALKS TO ACQUIRE KOREA’S CRYPTO EXCHANGE KORBIT FOR $100 MILLION
Mirae Asset is reportedly negotiating a $100 million acquisition of South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Korbit, signaling continued interest from major financial institutions in expanding their... pic.twitter.com/RlZbeLIS05
— Crypto Town Hall (@Crypto_TownHall) December 29, 2025
Antitrust checks, banking relationship transfers, and compliance reviews would be part of the close if negotiations move forward. Market participants say that until formal filings are made, talks should be treated as preliminary.
If the purchase completes, a major financial player would own a licensed exchange — a move that might encourage other traditional firms to consider similar deals.
For Korbit, new ownership could mean an influx of capital and a push to rebuild competitive footing. For users, the change could bring stronger compliance and perhaps new product offerings, but it would be unlikely to shift the overall market share picture quickly given the dominance of the top two exchanges.
Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
