KakaoBank, South Korea’s leading mobile bank with over 22 million users, is taking another step into the digital asset space. In a new initiative aimed at improving user access to cryptocurrency data, the digital bank has partnered with local crypto exchange Coinone to offer real-time price tracking of top cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), directly within its mobile application.
According to a report from Chosun Biz on Tuesday, the newly launched feature enables KakaoBank users to view live price updates, market capitalization rankings, transaction volumes, and recent price changes for major crypto assets. The integration reflects growing demand in South Korea for streamlined access to digital asset information via trusted financial platforms.
Expanding a Long-Standing Partnership
The latest integration marks another milestone in the ongoing collaboration between KakaoBank and Coinone, which first partnered in 2022. That partnership enabled Coinone users to open deposit and withdrawal accounts for crypto trading directly through KakaoBank, blending traditional banking convenience with digital asset services.
A spokesperson from KakaoBank emphasized the utility of the new feature, saying it enhances customer experience by providing quick and accurate crypto market insights without the need to switch between multiple platforms.
Coinone Under Regulatory Spotlight
The partnership news comes despite Coinone facing recent regulatory scrutiny. In late 2024, South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) reportedly investigated the exchange following unusual price action in the MOVE token, which surged 46,000% in a short span before crashing. Regulators sought to determine whether unfair trading practices were involved. However, as of now, no formal allegations or charges have been brought against Coinone.
A Step Toward Crypto-Banking Synergy
KakaoBank’s move to introduce real-time crypto tracking highlights a broader trend in South Korea’s financial landscape, where traditional institutions are increasingly integrating digital asset functionality to meet rising demand from tech-savvy users.
With KakaoBank’s deep reach and Coinone’s technical capabilities, the feature is poised to become a widely used tool for crypto-curious retail investors in the country. Although the bank has yet to offer full crypto trading services within the app, this development indicates a progressive stance toward digital assets, which could pave the way for deeper integration in the future.
As global interest in digital assets continues to grow, partnerships like that of KakaoBank and Coinone demonstrate how financial and crypto institutions can collaborate to provide enhanced value to users. By enabling millions of users to access live crypto prices in one of South Korea’s most popular banking apps, the move underscores a shift toward mainstream crypto accessibility potentially setting the stage for further innovation in the sector.
