Hana Bank Buys 6.55% Stake in Dunamu, Signaling Korean Banks' Shift to Crypto Infrastructure Ownership

South Korea’s crypto market is dominated by Upbit, which processes more than 80% of the nation’s cryptocurrency volume. Banks have traditionally participated only through real‑name account arrangements that keep fiat channels open without taking equity risk. Hana’s deal changes that posture by placing a bank on the shareholder register of the exchange’s operator.

- Hana Bank will buy 2.284 million Dunamu shares from Kakao Investment for roughly 1.0033 trillion won, securing a 6.55% stake. - The transaction values Dunamu at about 15.3 trillion won (≈ $11.8 bn) based on the implied price per share. - Hana Financial Group (ticker: 086790.KS) holds a market capitalization of roughly 30 trillion won (≈ $23 bn). - Upbit’s share of South Korean crypto trading exceeds 80%, according to Reuters. - On April 29, Hana Financial, Dunamu, and POSCO International agreed to develop blockchain‑based real‑time cross‑border money‑transfer services for global trade firms.

By owning a slice of Dunamu, Hana gains direct exposure to the technology, compliance, and custody layers that underlie Korea’s crypto trading hub. The stake also aligns with Hana’s broader blockchain initiative with POSCO, suggesting the bank aims to use exchange infrastructure for settlement, remittance, and tokenized‑asset services. As Korean regulators consider tighter governance—including a possible 20% cap on major exchange shareholders—Hana’s early position could give it influence over future rule‑making and reduce reliance on third‑party banking partners.