Samsung has expanded further into South Korea’s growing crypto market after three of its affiliates agreed to buy a combined 4% stake in Dunamu, the parent company of crypto exchange Upbit.
Samsung Securities, Samsung SDS, and Samsung Card will spend about 612.8 billion won, or roughly $408 million, in an all-cash transaction, signaling stronger corporate interest in digital asset infrastructure as South Korea pushes deeper into blockchain and tokenized finance.
As per a local report, the deal is scheduled to close on June 19 and involves 1.39 million Dunamu shares previously owned by Kakao affiliates. Samsung Securities will acquire a 2% stake, while Samsung SDS and Samsung Card will each take 1%.
Consequently, Samsung is strengthening its presence inside one of Asia’s largest cryptocurrency trading ecosystems as competition around digital finance intensifies.
Samsung targets digital finance expansion
Samsung affiliates said the investment supports their broader push into blockchain finance, tokenized assets, and stablecoin-related services as competition in digital finance accelerates across South Korea. Samsung Securities plans to work with Dunamu on token securities issuance, virtual asset products, and digital investment infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Samsung SDS aims to combine its artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data management services with Dunamu’s blockchain technology. The company said the partnership could help expand enterprise blockchain services and strengthen digital finance infrastructure in South Korea.
Samsung Card also signaled plans to explore crypto-linked payment services. Executives said future won-based stablecoins could eventually integrate with Samsung Financial Group’s Monimo platform, reflecting growing interest in digital payments tied to blockchain networks. Company officials also expect crypto exchanges to play a larger role in online commerce and digital asset distribution.
A Samsung official said the deal would help affiliates “secure leadership in the rapidly evolving digital asset market.” Dunamu welcomed the investment and pointed to potential cooperation in blockchain payments, AI-driven financial services, and tokenized investment products.
Regulators face rising pressure on crypto ties
The investment comes as South Korean regulators review deeper banking ties to the crypto sector. Hana Bank is currently seeking approval to acquire a 6.55% stake in Dunamu for nearly 1 trillion won. If regulators approve the deal, it would become the country’s largest bank-backed investment in a cryptocurrency exchange.
However, authorities continue tightening oversight of virtual asset companies. Earlier this year, South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit appealed a court ruling that overturned sanctions previously imposed on Dunamu over compliance-related concerns.
Institutional interest in South Korea’s digital asset sector continues to expand despite tighter regulatory oversight. Samsung Electronics also deepened its crypto strategy last year through an expanded partnership with Coinbase, adding trading integrations and wallet features for Samsung Wallet users in the United States.
The Dunamu investment reflects a broader shift among major Korean corporations toward blockchain-based financial infrastructure. Large firms increasingly view digital assets, tokenized finance, and stablecoin payment systems as part of the next phase of mainstream financial services.
Also Read: Chainalysis Finds 47% of Crypto Firms Raise Compliance Standards in 2026
