- Samsung affiliates acquired 4% Dunamu stake through $408 million investment agreement.
- Samsung Card plans digital asset payments ahead of South Korea stablecoin regulations.
- Korean banks increase blockchain partnerships as lawmakers prepare comprehensive crypto regulations.
Samsung has expanded its digital asset strategy after three of its affiliates agreed to acquire a combined 4% stake in Dunamu, the operator of South Korea’s largest crypto exchange, Upbit. The investment signals rising competition among Korean financial institutions seeking stronger positions in blockchain infrastructure and stablecoin services.
According to multiple local media reports, Samsung Securities, Samsung SDS, and Samsung Card will purchase 1.39 million Dunamu shares valued at approximately 613 billion Korean won, or nearly $408 million. The shares previously belonged to South Korean technology company Kakao. Samsung Securities will acquire the largest portion through a 2% stake in Dunamu. Meanwhile, Samsung SDS and Samsung Card will each secure a 1% stake. The transaction adds another major corporate investor to South Korea’s expanding digital asset market.
Moreover, Samsung Securities plans to collaborate with Dunamu on tokenized securities issuance and digital asset distribution services. The partnership could strengthen the company’s position within regulated blockchain finance. Additionally, Samsung SDS intends to combine Dunamu’s blockchain expertise with its artificial intelligence and cloud operations. The company also aims to improve its security and enterprise data management capabilities through the partnership.
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Samsung Expands Stablecoin and Blockchain Payment Plans
Samsung Card is preparing to develop a digital asset payment ecosystem through its Monimo financial application. The company appears to be positioning itself ahead of South Korea’s upcoming stablecoin regulations. Dunamu currently operates Giwa, an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain network that remains in the testnet phase. Consequently, Samsung’s investment may support future blockchain infrastructure development beyond exchange operations.
The development follows Hana Bank’s recent decision to acquire a 6.55% stake in Dunamu for nearly 1 trillion Korean won. That acquisition highlighted growing institutional confidence in South Korea’s digital asset sector. Besides, Dunamu is reportedly processing a merger and acquisition deal involving Naver Financial, the financial services division under Naver. The transaction could further strengthen Dunamu’s presence across Korea’s digital finance market.
South Korean Financial Firms Increase Crypto Partnerships
Several major financial institutions have increased blockchain partnerships during recent months. Mirae Asset announced plans earlier this year to acquire a controlling stake in crypto exchange Korbit. Furthermore, KB Kookmin Bank and Shinhan Bank continue testing stablecoin and tokenized payment systems with blockchain companies. Their projects reflect growing institutional interest in regulated blockchain finance.
South Korean lawmakers are currently preparing the Digital Asset Basic Act, which will establish rules covering stablecoins, tokenized securities, and broader cryptocurrency operations. Consequently, major corporations continue positioning themselves ahead of the incoming regulatory framework.
Samsung’s investment in Dunamu reflects increasing institutional expansion into South Korea’s blockchain and digital payment sector. Large corporations and banks continue accelerating crypto-related operations as regulatory clarity approaches.
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