Highlights:
- Bithumb is considering listing on the US Nasdaq in 2025 to enhance its global presence and bypass domestic regulatory challenges.
- The exchange restructures to focus on core crypto operations, appointing Samsung Securities as the lead underwriter for the IPO.
- Bithumb seeks international opportunities after previous attempts to list on South Korea’s Kosdaq were hindered by regulatory issues.
South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb plans to list on the US Nasdaq by 2025, aiming to expand its global presence while navigating domestic regulatory challenges. According to a local news outlet report, the company announced this intention during a shareholders’ meeting on September 30, signaling a strategic shift towards international markets. Bithumb is considering listing on the US Nasdaq to enhance its competitiveness and attract international investors.
Bithumb, South Korea's second largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced at an extraordinary shareholders' meeting that it is considering listing on the Nasdaq in the United States, with the goal of listing in the second half of next year, with Samsung Securities as the main…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) September 30, 2024
Strategic Move for Global Growth
Bithumb, currently South Korea’s second-largest crypto exchange, has appointed Samsung Securities as the lead underwriter for its initial public offering (IPO). By pursuing a Nasdaq listing, Bithumb seeks to align itself with major global players and capitalize on the favorable regulatory environment abroad. The exchange’s market share in South Korea ranges from 10% to 20%. A successful US listing could enhance its global footprint.
“Regarding listing, all possibilities are open, not only domestically but also overseas,” a Bithumb official stated during the meeting. This openness reflects the company’s flexibility in exploring various options to achieve its growth objectives. Additionally, the move mirrors the path taken by Coinbase, a major US cryptocurrency exchange listed on Nasdaq. This highlights Bithumb’s ambition to compete on a global scale.
Bithumb Considers Listing on US Nasdaq as a strategic response to intensifying competition in the domestic market. Upbit, the largest crypto exchange in South Korea, holds over 80% of the local market share. By expanding internationally, Bithumb aims to strengthen its position and access new markets.
Listing on Nasdaq would provide access to capital, enabling Bithumb to scale operations and meet global demand. The funds raised from the IPO could support technological advancements, further solidifying Bithumb’s competitive edge.
Corporate Restructuring and Rebranding Efforts
To prepare for the IPO, Bithumb initiated a corporate restructuring in March. The company separated its human resources department to focus on its core virtual asset exchange business. The new entity, tentatively named Bithumb Investment, will handle holding, investment, and real estate brokerage divisions. This strategic move aims to streamline operations, improve IPO readiness, and enhance efficiency.
Moreover, Bithumb is rebranding from “Bithumb Korea” to simply “Bithumb” to strengthen brand recognition. The name change was approved during the shareholders’ meeting and aligns the corporate identity with the service name. Bithumb aims to increase visibility and appeal to a broader international audience by unifying its brand.
The exchange previously changed its corporate name from “BTC Korea.com” to “Bithumb Korea” in 2019. The latest rebranding effort signifies Bithumb’s commitment to evolving its identity to match its global ambitions.
Legal Challenges and Regulatory Environment
Bithumb had considered listing on South Korea’s Kosdaq market in 2020 but abandoned the plan due to unclear regulations and accounting standards for virtual assets. South Korean financial authorities do not recognize cryptocurrencies as legitimate financial products, complicating the listing process domestically. Consequently, no Bitcoin ETFs are available in the country, limiting opportunities for crypto exchanges.
An industry insider explained, “Since Coinbase, the largest virtual asset exchange in the U.S., is listed on the Nasdaq, Bithumb may look overseas rather than the stock market or Kosdaq.” Bithumb’s consideration of a Nasdaq listing reflects its response to these domestic regulatory hurdles and its desire to access more favorable markets.
Furthermore, Bithumb has faced legal challenges in South Korea. The company’s former chairman, Lee Jeong-hoon, was acquitted of fraud charges earlier this year. Despite legal controversies, Bithumb continues to focus on expansion and growth.