Global crypto exchange OKX is reportedly seeking to acquire a stake in South Korean exchange Coinone alongside Korea Investment & Securities, in what could become one of the most significant foreign-linked investments in the country’s digital asset sector in years.

According to industry sources, the two firms are discussing plans to each acquire roughly 20% of Coinone through a capital raise structured around newly issued shares rather than purchases from existing shareholders. The approach would inject fresh capital into the exchange while avoiding immediate changes to management control.

Coinone is currently controlled by a group of domestic shareholders led by The One Group, which holds a 34.3% stake. Other major shareholders include Com2uS Holdings, Com2uS Plus, and Coinone founder and CEO Cha Myung-hoon, who also controls The One Group.

While the proposed investment is being framed primarily as a financial partnership, market observers believe OKX could eventually seek a more strategic role in the business. If that were to happen, it would represent only the second notable attempt by a major overseas crypto exchange to gain influence over a Korean won-based trading platform, following Binance’s investment in Gopax parent company Streami.

The discussions come as South Korea reassesses its approach to digital asset regulation. Policymakers and regulators are currently reviewing reforms that could reshape ownership rules for virtual asset exchanges. Those regulatory developments may ultimately determine how far foreign participation in domestic crypto exchanges can extend.

For OKX, the move would provide a foothold in one of Asia’s most active retail crypto markets. South Korea is strategically important for global exchanges due to its high trading volumes, sophisticated retail investor base, and strong local appetite for digital assets. At the same time, the market has remained difficult for foreign firms to enter because of strict licensing requirements and banking regulations tied to real-name verification systems.

Korea Investment & Securities’ involvement also reflects a broader shift among traditional financial institutions in the country, many of which are increasingly exploring partnerships and investments tied to digital assets and blockchain infrastructure.

Neither Coinone, OKX, nor Korea Investment & Securities publicly confirmed details of the discussions.

If completed, the investment would signal growing convergence between traditional finance and crypto markets in South Korea at a time when competition among exchanges is intensifying, and institutional interest in digital assets continues to rise.

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