After Exiting CFDs, Korea Investment & Securities Eyes Crypto Stake with Coinone Talks
South Korean brokerage Korea Investment & Securities is reviewing a potential stake in crypto exchange Coinone, according to local media reports and company comments. No agreement has been finalized. Singapore Summit: Meet the largest APAC brokers you know (and those you still don't!) . The firm previously offered contracts for difference as part of KoreaтАЩs leveraged trading market but scaled back and suspended the product following tighter regulatory scrutiny after the 2023 South Korea CFD stock manipulation scandal. Since then, it has focused on listed products and global investment services rather than restarting a broad retail CFD business. Korea Investment & Securities currently provides domestic and global equities trading, exchange-traded derivatives, structured products, and wealth management services. Proposed 20% Cap Could Affect Coinone Citing people familiar with the matter, The Korea Herald reported that the brokerage has engaged with regulators and politicians as part of a broader process tied to a potential investment in Coinone. The exchange also said that no specific transaction had been decided. [#highlighted-links#] The development comes as S outh Korea considers a proposal to cap major shareholdersтАЩ stakes in domestic crypto exchanges at 20%. Cha Myung-hoon reportedly controls about 53.44% of Coinone, and a stake sale could become one way to comply if the proposal advances into law. Korea Investment & Securities explores 20% stake in Coinone as South Korean brokerages race for crypto exchange access? https://t.co/dIwKbm3St9 ?я╕П Benthic pic.twitter.com/9Xidq1meMb тАФ Leviathan News (@leviathan_news) April 3, 2026 Mirae Asset Targets Crypto with Korbit Deal A potential
South Korean brokerage Korea Investment & Securities is reportedly considering a potential stake in the crypto exchange Coinone, following its exit from contracts for difference (CFDs) amid regulatory scrutiny. The move comes as the firm seeks to expand its presence in the cryptocurrency market amid growing interest from other brokerages in South Korea.
Korea Investment & Securities previously offered CFDs as part of the country's leveraged trading market. However, the firm scaled back and suspended the product after tighter regulatory scrutiny followed the 2023 South Korea CFD stock manipulation scandal. Since then, the brokerage has focused on listed products and global investment services, avoiding a broad retail CFD business. Currently, Korea Investment & Securities offers domestic and global equities trading, exchange-traded derivatives, structured products, and wealth management services.
Local media reports and company comments suggest that the brokerage is reviewing a potential stake in Coinone. No agreement has been finalized, but the development is part of a broader process that includes engagement with regulators and politicians. The Korea Herald cited individuals familiar with the matter, indicating that the brokerage has been in discussions related to a potential investment in Coinone. The exchange itself has stated that no specific transaction has been decided.
This potential move by Korea Investment & Securities is occurring as South Korea considers a proposal to cap major shareholders' stakes in domestic crypto exchanges at 20%. Cha Myung-hoon, who is reportedly the largest shareholder of Coinone with a 53.44% stake, could be compelled to sell a portion of his holdings if the proposal advances into law. A stake sale would be one way for him to comply with the new regulations.
A potential deal with Coinone would place Korea Investment & Securities alongside other brokerages already active in the crypto sector. Earlier this year, Mirae Asset Group acquired crypto exchange Korbit for $92 million through a subsidiary to comply with ownership regulations, adding exchange infrastructure to its offerings.
The cryptocurrency market in South Korea has been under increased regulatory focus since the 2023 CFD scandal, which led to tighter controls on financial products. As a result, brokerages are now exploring opportunities in the crypto space, with Coinone being a key player. The potential investment by Korea Investment & Securities highlights the growing interest in the sector and the need for brokerages to adapt to regulatory changes and market trends.
While no final agreement has been reached, the discussions between Korea Investment & Securities and Coinone indicate a shift in the brokerage's strategy. By exploring a stake in the crypto exchange, the firm aims to diversify its services and capitalize on the growing demand for cryptocurrency-related offerings. The proposed 20% cap on major shareholders' stakes in domestic crypto exchanges could also influence the structure of the deal, potentially requiring Cha Myung-hoon to reduce his ownership stake if the regulation is enacted.
The move by Korea Investment & Securities to consider a stake in Coinone is part of a broader trend among South Korean brokerages. As the regulatory environment evolves, firms are seeking new avenues to grow and adapt to changing market dynamics. The cryptocurrency sector, despite its volatility, offers significant opportunities for brokerages looking to expand their services and attract a new customer base.
In conclusion, Korea Investment & Securities' potential stake in Coinone reflects the brokerage's strategic shift away from CFDs and towards the cryptocurrency market. The move is also tied to the ongoing regulatory discussions in South Korea regarding ownership caps on crypto exchanges. As the country's financial landscape continues to evolve, brokerages like Korea Investment & Securities are positioning themselves to take advantage of new opportunities in the rapidly changing market.
