Bithumb, one of the cryptocurrency exchanges, is preparing to debut on the KOSDAQ, the South Korean stock exchange. This significant move, anticipated to occur in the second half of 2025, symbolizes Bithumb’s shift from being solely involved in the crypto industry to becoming a publicly traded company.
The move reflects the increasing acceptance and integration of currencies within financial systems.
While Bithumb has been reserved about confirming the IPO details, their recent action of appointing Samsung Securities as the underwriter strongly indicates their commitment to this significant venture.
This IPO initiative directly responds to the intensifying South Korean crypto market competition. Bithumb, currently holding the second spot in daily trading volume, is pressured to innovate and expand to keep up with Upbit, the market leader.
The road to the IPO hasn’t been without its challenges. The company has navigated through regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges, including the embezzlement charges against significant shareholder Kang Jong-hyun. Despite these setbacks, Bithumb’s pursuit of an IPO is a bold statement of its resilience and forward-thinking approach.
With a trading volume of around $580 million, Bithumb’s planned entry into the KOSDAQ is a significant milestone for the company.
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