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It has been reported that Bithumb, the South Korean-based major cryptocurrency exchange, has started preparations for its initial public offering (IPO). According to local media sources, Bithumb has selected Samsung Securities as its underwriter for the IPO. This development is considered a significant step in the cryptocurrency world, as such an IPO could indicate further institutionalization of the industry and its opening to a wider audience.
Bithumb Initiates Preparations for IPO
It has been reported that the South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb has started preparations for its initial public offering (IPO). Local media outlet Edaily reported that Bithumb has begun working on a potential IPO on the Kosdaq in the second half of 2025 and selected Samsung Securities as its underwriter last month.
Edaily also noted that former president Lee Jeong-hoon has returned to the company as a registered executive on the board of directors and reminded that he was acquitted earlier this year. Lee was accused of fraud related to the acquisition of the cryptocurrency exchange in October 2018, but was found innocent earlier this year.
What is an Initial Public Offering (IPO)?
An initial public offering (IPO) typically refers to the process of a company offering its shares to the public. In this process, a company transforms from being privately owned to becoming a publicly traded company by offering its shares to the public. The process involves presenting the company’s shares to a wide range of investors.
An IPO usually takes place in two stages: the primary market and the secondary market. In the primary market, the company directly offers new shares to the public, and those who purchase these shares become shareholders of the company. In the secondary market, existing shares become freely tradable on the stock exchange.
An IPO can increase a company’s access to a broad capital base, provide liquidity, enhance the company’s value, and generally support the company’s growth. However, an IPO itself also entails certain risks and requires the company to comply with increased transparency and regulations.
