South Korea Caps Crypto Exchange Ownership at 20% for Major Shareholders

Regulators set a multi-year transition with a 34% exception for new entrants as exchanges adjust ownership to a 20% cap.

Rich by Coin

2026-03-04

South Korea has agreed to limit major shareholder stakes in crypto exchanges to 20%, applying to all exchanges and aiming to improve governance. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Democratic Party’s Digital Asset Task Force finalized the plan despite concerns from the industry. Exceptions of up to 34% will be allowed for new business owners. Major exchanges face ownership adjustments within grace periods.

Upbit’s major shareholder currently holds 25.52% of the shares. Bithumb Holdings owns 73.56% of Bithumb. Coinone has 53.44% and Gopax has 67.45% major shareholder holdings. These steps aim to move away from concentrated control and increase transparency.

GOPAX and other exchanges will follow the 20% cap under the new law. The rule also addresses concerns over minority founders’ ability to exert too much influence over exchanges. Exchanges now face hard deadlines and incentives to implement ownership changes, signaling a governance-driven push even as the market grows. Overall, South Korea’s shareholder rules are designed to create a fairer, safer market environment.