Mirae Asset Acquires 92% of Korbit: A $93M Pivot to “Digital Asset 3.0”
Mirae Asset Group has made a significant entry into South Korea’s crypto market. Its subsidiary, Mirae Asset Consulting...
Quick overview
- Mirae Asset Group is acquiring a 92.06% stake in Korbit, South Korea's first cryptocurrency exchange, for approximately $93 million.
- The acquisition aligns with Mirae's 'Mirae Asset 3.0' strategy, aiming to integrate traditional finance with the digital asset market.
- Korbit's regulatory compliance and ability to support real-name verified accounts position it as a key player for attracting institutional clients.
- Mirae's investment is expected to enhance competition in the South Korean crypto market, despite potential regulatory challenges ahead.
Mirae Asset Group has made a significant entry into South Korea’s crypto market. Its subsidiary, Mirae Asset Consulting, will acquire 92.06% of Korbit, the country’s first and fourth-largest cryptocurrency exchange.
The Deal at a Glance: Mirae’s $93 Million Cash Play
The acquisition, announced in a regulatory filing on February 13, 2026, shows how traditional finance companies are starting to see digital infrastructure as important.
- Purchase Price:48 billion KRW (approx. $93.82 million USD).
- Stake Size:91 million shares (92.06% total ownership).
- Payment Method: 100% Cash settlement.
- Key Sellers: NXC (Nexon’s parent company, which held 60.5%) and SK Square/SK Planet (31.5%).
The deal should close within seven business days after all regulatory requirements are met, under the supervision of Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC).
Strategic Rationale: “Mirae Asset 3.0”
This acquisition is part of the group’s “Mirae Asset 3.0” strategy, launched in January 2026. The plan aims to bridge the gap between traditional brokerage and the growing digital asset market.
💥 Mirae Asset acquires stake in Korbit
Mirae Asset Consulting plans to buy 92.06% of Korean crypto exchange Korbit for $93 million in cash.
👉 The deal covers 26.9 million shares and aims to “secure future growth drivers” in digital assets. pic.twitter.com/B77yXxWbvr
— Traders Union (@TradersUnion_TU) February 15, 2026
1. Integration of Tokenized Securities
South Korea has recently allowed Tokenized Securities (STOs). With Korbit, Mirae Asset can take the lead in issuing, holding, and trading blockchain-based financial products.
2. Institutional Compliance Moat
Korbit is one of five exchanges in South Korea that can support real-name verified accounts, which is required by regulations. For Mirae, managing over 1,000 trillion won ($721 billion) in assets, this regulated entry point is key to attracting institutional clients to crypto.
3. Boosting Market Share
Korbit is behind Upbit ($2.16B daily volume) and Bithumb ($1.36B), but it handled about $95 million in trades in the past 24 hours. Analysts believe Mirae’s investment will increase competition for both retail and institutional clients.
Market Landscape: South Korean Exchange Rankings
| Exchange | 24-Hour Trading Volume | Market Position |
| Upbit | $2.16 Billion | Undisputed Leader |
| Bithumb | $1.36 Billion | Dominant Challenger |
| Korbit | $95 Million | Institutional/TradFi Lead |
| Coinone | $60 Million | Exploring Potential Sale |
Regulatory Hurdles: The “Digital Asset Basic Act”
Mirae Asset may face legal challenges. South Korean officials are drafting the Digital Asset Basic Act, which could limit how much of a crypto exchange one company can own. If these rules apply to past deals, Mirae might have to reduce its 92% stake to meet the new limits.
The Verdict: A Vote of Confidence for 2026
Korbit’s acquisition by a large financial group shows that founder-led crypto startups are being replaced by institutional management.
Expert Analysis: “Mirae isn’t buying Korbit for its current trading fees. They are buying a decade of regulatory compliance and the underlying infrastructure needed to launch the next generation of tokenized ETFs and pension-grade crypto products.”
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