Bithumb, a major South Korean cryptocurrency exchange, is reportedly planning to go public on the KOSDAQ, South Korea’s equivalent of the Nasdaq. The exchange aims to become the first digital asset firm to achieve this milestone, with a targeted initial public offering (IPO) in the second half of 2025. Bithumb, founded in 2014, has established itself as a significant player in the cryptocurrency exchange market, boasting a 24-hour trading volume of approximately $580 million. Despite facing regulatory and corporate challenges, the exchange remains active and engaged in the South Korean crypto space. Bithumb’s decision to pursue a public listing is driven by competitive pressures within the domestic market, particularly from Upbit, the largest exchange in South Korea. Upbit’s trading volumes in July surpassed global giants like Coinbase and Binance, highlighting the intense competition. Bithumb’s IPO ambitions are seen as a strategic move to consolidate its market position and challenge Upbit’s dominance. Both Bithumb and Upbit have faced regulatory and legal challenges, including allegations of fraudulent crypto trading and embezzlement. Bithumb’s selection of Samsung Securities as a potential IPO underwriter indicates the seriousness of its intentions. The exchange has also experienced management shifts, with the former chairman resuming his role and the CEO being excluded from the board of directors. These developments reflect the dynamic nature of the market and Bithumb’s determination to navigate the regulatory landscape while pursuing growth opportunities.

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Information	Details
Geography	Asia
Countries
Sentiment	neutral
Relevance Score	1
People	Kang Ji-yeon, Kang Jong-hyun, Lee Jeong-hoon, Lee Sang-jun
Companies	Nasdaq, KOSDAQ, Upbit, Edaily, Samsung Securities, Bithumb
Currencies	None
Securities	None