Samsung Eyes $725M Dunamu Stake in Major Crypto Infrastructure Play

VADODARA, January 16, 2026 — Samsung's financial affiliates are reportedly evaluating a $725 million acquisition of Dunamu shares from Kakao Investment, according to the Korea Economic Daily, in a move that represents a significant institutional pivot toward crypto exchange infrastructure. This latest crypto news highlights a strategic liquidity grab in a sector where traditional finance increasingly intersects with digital asset markets, despite immediate denials from involved parties. Market structure suggests this potential transaction could recalibrate order flow dynamics across Asian exchanges, particularly as Bitcoin tests key technical levels near $95,465.

Market Context & Background

Underlying this trend is a broader institutional shift toward controlling critical crypto infrastructure, mirroring patterns observed during the 2021-2023 consolidation phase. Dunamu, through its subsidiary Upbit, commands approximately 80% of South Korea's crypto trading volume, creating a concentrated liquidity pool that acts as a primary order block for regional altcoins. Consequently, any change in its ownership structure directly impacts volume profile distributions and price discovery mechanisms. This development occurs alongside other structural shifts, such as the X API policy changes affecting social liquidity and the launch of crypto custody banks amid regulatory scrutiny, indicating a fragmented yet accelerating institutional adoption curve.

What Happened?

According to the Korea Economic Daily, Samsung's financial units are considering purchasing existing Dunamu shares held by Kakao Investment, the third-largest shareholder, in a deal valued at over one trillion won ($725 million). Primary source verification from the report indicates this would be a secondary market transaction, not a primary capital raise, suggesting a strategic reallocation rather than expansionary funding. In response, a Samsung Life Insurance official stated the company is not currently in discussions with Kakao Investment regarding Dunamu shares, while a Kakao representative commented that nothing has been decided. This discrepancy between reported interest and official statements creates a classic information asymmetry scenario, often preceding major market moves.

Technical Analysis & Price Action

Market structure suggests the crypto sector is testing a critical fair value gap (FVG) following Bitcoin's retreat from the $100,000 psychological resistance. The current price of $95,465 represents a -1.14% 24-hour decline, placing it near the 50-day exponential moving average, a key dynamic support level. A breach below $92,000 would constitute a bearish invalidation, likely triggering a gamma squeeze in derivatives markets as protective puts are activated. Conversely, holding above $94,500 maintains the bullish order block established during the Q4 2025 rally. For exchange tokens like Upbit's native assets, the 200-day simple moving average at $42.50 serves as the primary bullish invalidation level; a break below would indicate weakening infrastructure sentiment.

By The Numbers

Why It Matters

This potential acquisition matters because it represents institutional capital targeting exchange infrastructure rather than direct asset exposure, a sophistication milestone. For institutions, controlling order flow and fee generation through regulated entities like Dunamu offers predictable yield streams uncorrelated to volatile asset prices. For retail traders, consolidation could reduce arbitrage opportunities but increase platform stability and regulatory compliance, as evidenced by South Korea's strict Financial Services Commission guidelines. The $725 million valuation implies a price-to-sales multiple aligning with traditional financial exchanges, suggesting crypto infrastructure is entering mainstream valuation frameworks.

Community Sentiment

Market analysts on X/Twitter are divided: bulls highlight the validation of crypto infrastructure as an asset class, while bears caution about regulatory overhang and potential dilution. One quantitative researcher noted, "Samsung's interest signals that Tier-1 capital now views exchange stakes as strategic moats, not speculative bets." This sentiment aligns with on-chain data indicating increased accumulation by smart money wallets during price dips, particularly in exchange-associated tokens. However, the official denials have created uncertainty, with some traders interpreting this as a negotiation tactic rather than a deal collapse.

Price Prediction / Future Outlook

Bullish Case: If the deal proceeds or similar infrastructure investments emerge, exchange tokens could re-test their 2025 highs, with Bitcoin targeting $105,000 as institutional confidence spills into spot markets. This scenario requires holding the $92,000 support and a resolution of the current fair value gap through upward momentum.

Bearish Case: If the deal fails and regulatory pressures intensify, a breakdown below $92,000 could trigger a liquidation cascade toward $85,000, the next major volume profile node. This would invalidate the bullish market structure and likely push the Fear & Greed Index into fear territory below 40.