Bithumb plans to apply for preliminary listing approval in 2027 after a 2026 accounting and internal-controls upgrade, with the exchange targeting a 2028 IPO.
Alpha Score of 67 reflects moderate overall profile with strong momentum, strong value, weak quality, moderate sentiment.
South Korean crypto exchange Bithumb has set a target to complete an initial public offering in 2028, part of a push to bring its accounting and governance systems closer to the standards of listed financial firms.
Bithumb disclosed the timetable in an official notice Monday, outlining a three-stage roadmap that puts the preliminary listing approval application in 2027. The exchange had previously considered going public as early as the second half of 2025, then told shareholders in March that a listing would more likely come after the start of 2028.
The roadmap allocates 2026 to upgrades of internal controls and to the shift from Korean generally accepted accounting principles to Korean International Financial Reporting Standards, the framework used by listed companies in the country. The exchange intends to submit the application in 2027 and complete the IPO process in 2028. Bithumb cautioned that the schedule could shift depending on market conditions and the review timeline of relevant authorities.
Bithumb said it is working with accounting firms to strengthen financial reporting and compliance monitoring. Internal control procedures for employees are being raised to levels comparable with those at institutional financial companies. The company has also restructured its operations to clarify the responsibilities of individual divisions and reduce potential conflicts of interest. The changes included separating Bithumb Asset from the exchange business, which Bithumb said would simplify the corporate structure and establish governance that investors and regulators can evaluate more clearly.
Corporate disclosures are being expanded. Bithumb plans to regularly publish information on its financial position and major management decisions. Its virtual asset holdings will also be disclosed.
The exchange also wants to reduce its exposure to swings in crypto prices by diversifying its business model and holding sufficient liquid assets. A more stable revenue structure, Bithumb said, would let it generate sustainable shareholder value after listing rather than depend on trading activity during strong crypto markets.
Bithumb said it is working with domestic and international brokerages and law firms, supported by accounting advisers, on corporate valuation and the preliminary listing application. Legal risk reviews are part of that work. Bithumb said the IPO would serve as a test of its transparency and long-term sustainability, and would help virtual-asset businesses gain wider recognition within the institutional financial system.
"Listing is not simply about increasing the size of the company, but about creating solid trust that allows customers to trade with greater peace of mind," Bithumb said.
Drafted by a large language model from the source reporting linked above, then screened by automated publishing checks. It is not read by a journalist before publication. Some articles cite our Alpha Score. Verify prices and figures against the original source. Educational coverage, not personalized advice.