Thailand's Largest Crypto Exchange Bitkub Plans 2025 IPO

·

Thailand’s leading cryptocurrency exchange, Bitkub, is preparing for a major milestone: a planned initial public offering (IPO) in 2025. According to a recent report by Bloomberg, Bitkub Capital Group, the operator of the exchange, has begun hiring financial advisors to pave the way for its listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). This strategic move marks a significant step in the company’s evolution and underscores growing institutional confidence in the digital asset sector within Southeast Asia.

Jirayut Srupsrisopa, CEO of Bitkub Capital Group, confirmed that the company is actively engaging advisory firms to structure the IPO process. While no final decision has been made, the goal remains clear—achieve a public listing by 2025. If successful, the offering could value the company at approximately 6 billion Thai baht (around $165 million), positioning Bitkub as one of the few crypto-native platforms to transition into a publicly traded entity in the region.

Core Business and Revenue Drivers

Bitkub Capital Group derives up to 80% of its revenue from its cryptocurrency exchange operations, making it the cornerstone of its business model. The platform has built a dominant position in Thailand’s retail crypto market, thanks to its user-friendly interface, localized services, and strong regulatory compliance efforts.

Notably, Asphere Innovations, a prominent Thai game development company, holds a 9.2% stake in Bitkub Capital Group. This cross-industry investment reflects broader trends where tech and gaming companies are increasingly exploring synergies with blockchain and digital assets.

👉 Discover how digital asset platforms are reshaping financial markets in 2025.

Market Momentum Fuels Investor Interest

The timing of Bitkub’s IPO plans aligns with a surge in cryptocurrency adoption across Thailand. With Bitcoin rising nearly 60% year-to-date, investor enthusiasm has reached new highs. Data from the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shows that active crypto trading accounts in the country jumped to 238,000 in March 2025—the highest level since September 2022.

This renewed momentum reflects not only retail interest but also growing institutional participation. Regulatory clarity, improved security standards, and increasing integration with traditional financial systems have all contributed to restoring trust after previous market downturns.

Rising Competition in Thailand’s Crypto Landscape

Despite its market leadership, Bitkub faces intensifying competition from both global players and domestic financial institutions.

In January 2025, Binance TH, a joint venture between Binance and Gulf Innova (a subsidiary of Gulf Energy Development), officially launched operations in Thailand. The platform allows users to deposit and withdraw Thai baht directly and trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies—offering strong competition to Bitkub’s local dominance.

Meanwhile, Kasikornbank (KBank), Thailand’s second-largest commercial bank, acquired 97% of Satang Corp, the parent company of local exchange Satang Pro. This acquisition signals traditional banks’ increasing appetite for blockchain-based financial services and highlights the convergence between legacy finance and digital assets.

Even Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), Thailand’s oldest bank, once explored acquiring a controlling stake in Bitkub. In 2022, it announced plans to purchase 51% of Bitkub for 17.85 billion baht—a deal that was ultimately canceled due to regulatory and strategic considerations.

👉 See how global financial institutions are integrating crypto into their services.

Regulatory Challenges and Past Controversies

Bitkub’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. In September 2022, the Thai SEC filed legal charges against the exchange over allegations of artificially inflating trading volumes—a move that briefly shook investor confidence. However, Bitkub has since strengthened its compliance framework and transparency measures, working closely with regulators to meet evolving standards.

The exchange has also invested heavily in cybersecurity, customer education, and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols—key areas scrutinized by regulators in an industry still maturing.

Strategic Positioning for the Future

Bitkub’s potential IPO represents more than just a fundraising event—it's a signal of long-term legitimacy and sustainability in an often-volatile industry. Going public would require enhanced disclosure, corporate governance, and financial auditing, all of which can further solidify trust among users and investors.

Moreover, a successful listing could open doors for future expansion beyond Thailand—possibly into neighboring ASEAN markets where digital asset adoption is accelerating.

Core Keywords:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When is Bitkub planning to go public?
A: Bitkub aims to complete its IPO by 2025, though the exact timeline depends on market conditions and regulatory approvals.

Q: What is Bitkub’s current valuation?
A: The exchange is expected to be valued at around 6 billion Thai baht ($165 million) during its planned IPO.

Q: Who owns Bitkub Capital Group?
A: The company is primarily privately held, with Asphere Innovations owning a 9.2% stake. No single majority shareholder has been publicly disclosed.

Q: Is Bitkub regulated in Thailand?
A: Yes, Bitkub operates under licensing from the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and complies with national crypto regulations.

Q: How does Bitkub compare to Binance TH?
A: While Binance TH leverages global brand recognition and liquidity, Bitkub maintains an edge through deep local integration, Thai-language support, and established user trust within the domestic market.

Q: Will Bitkub’s IPO include international investors?
A: Initially, the listing will focus on the Thai market via the SET. However, future secondary listings or international depositary receipts may be considered post-IPO.

👉 Stay ahead of crypto market shifts with real-time insights and tools.

Final Outlook

As Thailand continues to emerge as a regional hub for fintech and digital innovation, Bitkub’s journey toward a public listing serves as a bellwether for the broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies in mainstream finance. While challenges remain—from regulatory scrutiny to competitive pressures—the exchange’s resilience and strategic vision position it well for long-term growth.

The 2025 IPO window presents not only an opportunity for Bitkub but also a test case for how crypto-native businesses can successfully transition into regulated, transparent, and investor-friendly public companies. For market observers and participants alike, this development will be one to watch closely in the coming months.