South Korean financial giant Mirae Asset is considering acquiring the cryptocurrency exchange platform Korbit

December 29 — South Korean financial giant Mirae Asset is reportedly in talks to acquire a 92% stake in local crypto exchange Korbit, with the deal potentially valued at up to 140 billion won ($97 million), per *The Korea Times*. Headquartered in Seoul, Mirae Asset operates across asset management, wealth management, investment banking, and insurance, making it a key player in South Korea’s traditional finance sector. If the acquisition closes, it would mark the firm’s first direct foray into crypto-related business. Mirae Asset founder Park Hyeon-joo has repeatedly emphasized exploring opportunities to integrate traditional and digital assets in recent years. Industry insiders note that while Korbit has a modest market footprint, its years of financial experience could support differentiated growth. Korbit ranks fourth among South Korea’s six compliant crypto exchanges by trading volume, with a 24-hour volume of roughly $11.8 million — well below leaders Upbit ($1.2 billion), Bithumb ($475 million), and third-placed Coinone ($58 million).