Bithumb delays IPO
Bithumb pushed its IPO past 2028 to strengthen internal controls, accounting standards and regulatory compliance—an example of how crypto firms are treating SOX‑style readiness as a gating factor for public listings. (x.com)
CFO Jeong Sang‑gyun confirmed at Bithumb’s annual shareholders meeting that the exchange has an IPO advisory agreement with Samjong KPMG that runs through the end of 2027. (theblock.co) South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit announced a 36.8 billion won fine and a six‑month partial suspension for Bithumb on March 16, 2026, citing failures in anti‑money‑laundering and customer verification controls. (coindesk.com) Executives told Maeil Business that the firm will concentrate on accounting‑policy alignment and “thorough internal verification” throughout 2026–2027 under the Samjong KPMG engagement rather than pursuing an immediate market listing. (cointelegraph.com) Public reporting notes Bithumb had previously targeted a 2025 listing and discussed a Nasdaq float, making the current advisory timetable a multi‑year shift in its listing‑readiness program. (finance.yahoo.com) Regulatory announcements and press coverage also recorded a disciplinary warning for the CEO and actions against the company’s designated reporting officer as part of the FIU’s March 2026 enforcement findings. (en.sedaily.com)
