Naver plans to promote the listing of its fintech subsidiary after completing the equity swap with Dunamu

According to Tech in Asia, South Korean internet giant Naver plans to promote the IPO of its fintech subsidiary Naver Financial within five years after completing a share swap with Dunamu, the operator of the cryptocurrency exchange Upbit in which it holds shares. The transaction has been delayed due to an extended antitrust review period, and the specific timetable and structure will depend on market conditions and the regulatory environment. The proposed "Digital Asset Basic Law" in South Korea may change the transaction structure or timetable.

On the same day the share swap contract was signed, both parties entered into a shareholder agreement, requiring the establishment of an IPO committee for Naver Financial within one year after the share swap is completed. If the IPO is not achieved within five years, the timeframe can be extended by another two years. Regulators are also discussing a proposal to limit the shareholding ratio of the major shareholders of the exchange to within 20%, which may lead to adjustments in the transaction terms.