South Korea's Financial Sector Sees Surge in Activity Over Stablecoin and Crypto Market
South Korea's financial sector is witnessing a surge in activity as companies scramble to stake their claim in the burgeoning stablecoin and digital asset markets.
The country's largest crypto exchange, Upbit, operated by Dunamu Inc., has become a prized target for several major players. Hanwha Investment & Securities Co. will acquire an additional stake in Dunamu, surpassing Hana Bank as the company's fourth-largest shareholder with a 6.55% stake.
Hana Financial Group Inc. had previously acquired a 6.55% stake in Upbit for $667.5 million, betting big on the future of digital assets.
The government is working to ease ownership limits for banks to hold controlling stakes in won-denominated stablecoin issuers, which could accelerate dealmaking between lenders, fintech groups, and crypto platforms.