KB Financial seeks to team up with US-based Pantera Capital

SEOUL -- South Korea’s KB Financial Group said it met with U.S.-based Pantera Capital to explore business opportunities in the blockchain sector.

KB Financial said Sunday the two conferred late last month in Seoul to discuss ways to benchmark a collaborative model for global investments.

Founded in 2003, Pantera Capital was the first to launch a Bitcoin fund in the United States in 2013.

Currently, the venture capital firm is leading the world’s blockchain space, operating funds that total $5.2 billion.

“Meeting with Pantera Capital represents a valuable opportunity to further advance our global digital strategy,” KB Financial said in a statement.

“By building close relationships with leading global funds, we aim to strengthen our future financial competitiveness based on blockchain technology.”

KB Financial has sought previously to expand into the blockchain business.

Since late last year, the Seoul-based financial conglomerate has conducted proof-of-concept tests using Circle Mint, a platform for issuing and managing stablecoins.

KB Financial has also worked with the Bank of Korea on the practical use of central bank digital currency.

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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 6:15 AM.