Three Samsung affiliates are expanding their push into digital assets after agreeing to buy a combined 4% stake in Dunamu, the operator of South Korea’s largest crypto exchange, Upbit.
Samsung Securities, Samsung SDS, and Samsung Card will acquire 1.39 million shares from a Kakao affiliate for 612.8 billion won, or about $408 million.
Samsung Securities will hold a 2% stake, while Samsung SDS and Samsung Card will each take 1%.
The investment reflects growing interest in stablecoins, tokenized assets, and blockchain-based financial services as the sector expands beyond crypto trading.
Three Samsung affiliates are making a sweeping move into digital assets, betting that stablecoins, blockchain finance and crypto-linked payments could reshape Korea’s financial industry faster than many expected.https://t.co/oVZZnzSEh6
— The Korea Times (@koreatimescokr) May 28, 2026
Why are Samsung companies moving into digital assets?
The Samsung affiliates pointed to growing opportunities in blockchain finance and digital payments as Korea’s digital asset market develops.
Samsung Securities plans to cooperate with Dunamu on tokenized securities issuance, distribution, and other virtual asset services.
Samsung SDS will combine its AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data management capabilities with Dunamu’s blockchain operations to strengthen its blockchain software business. The company also plans to expand digital finance services for local financial institutions.
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Focus shifts beyond crypto trading into payments and tokenized finance
Samsung Card plans to explore digital asset payment systems with Dunamu, including possible links with Monimo, Samsung Financial Networks’ financial platform.
The companies see stablecoins and tokenized finance as potential growth areas, especially if Korea moves forward with won-backed stablecoins.
Samsung described the investment as part of a broader effort to strengthen its position in digital asset-related businesses and secure an early foothold in Korea’s growing blockchain finance market.
Dunamu welcomed the partnership and said it plans to work with Samsung affiliates on blockchain financial products, payment systems, and AI-linked blockchain services.
Separately, Samsung has also been increasing the use of blockchain technology in its AI-powered home appliances to strengthen security across connected devices. Samsung will also implement “Cross Platform” technology, ensuring that security standards are uniformly applied across various operating systems.
What has changed since the original announcement
By August 2026, Samsung SDS had confirmed that the Dunamu investment was completed in May and that the company is now pursuing broader digital-asset collaboration with the exchange operator. Samsung SDS specifically said it expects to combine its IT capabilities with Dunamu’s blockchain expertise to expand its digital-asset infrastructure business.
The investment should therefore be viewed as an active strategic partnership rather than a financial holding. At the same time, South Korea’s financial sector is moving toward greater integration between traditional finance and digital assets, while stablecoins and tokenized securities remain central to the industry’s next phase.
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