Vident said on the 26th that FTX, a U.S. virtual asset (cryptocurrency) exchange, is in contact to acquire Bithumb, a domestic coin exchange. On the same day, Bident said, “We have confirmed that the U.S. cryptocurrency exchange FTX has contacted Bithumb Korea Co., Ltd. and Bithumb Holdings Co., Ltd. to dispose of investment securities,” adding, “We cannot elaborate yet, so we will re-announce it later.“

“We are considering all possibilities such as acquisition or joint management by exercising our right to sell or purchase,” Vident said over the weekend, explaining that FTX, the U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, wants to acquire Bithumb, the cryptocurrency exchange.

The inquiry was demanded by the Korea Exchange with public interest as foreign media reported that Bithumb, a domestic cryptocurrency exchange currently with Vident as the largest shareholder, is discussing a sale of 4 trillion won to FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange led by Sam Bankman-Frid, a 30-year-old U.S. billionaire.

Sam Bankman Fried is the second-largest personal supporter of President Joe Biden in the U.S. presidential election, and is listed in the world’s political circles. Bident, the largest shareholder, currently has the right to sell Bithumb together (Tag Earlong), the right to negotiate a preferred acquisition, and the right to appoint directors of Bithumb Holdings and Bithumb Korea.