Bithumb Sets Sights on 2028 IPO, Unveils Six Major Overhauls

Korea's second-largest crypto exchange Bithumb plans to go public in 2028, after filing for a preliminary listing review in 2027. Before entering the stock market, the exchange is making six major changes to improve transparency and strengthen its internal controls.

Bithumb wants to spend two years refining its systems before listing, according to the company's notice. The exchange is upgrading its risk management systems, changing its accounting standards from K-GAAP to K-IFRS, and restructuring parts of its business to reduce possible conflicts of interest.

The exchange also confirmed that it will work closely with securities firms like Samsung Securities, legal advisers, and accounting firms to ensure every listing requirement is met. By going public, Bithumb aims to set a new standard for crypto exchanges in South Korea, demonstrating that they can operate with the same transparency, governance, and investor protection standards as traditional financial firms.