Coincheck, Owned by Monex, Set to Acquire Paris Crypto Prime Brokerage Firm in Major Expansion Move

Japanese crypto giant makes strategic European play

Coincheck—the Monex Group-owned exchange that clawed back from its infamous 2018 hack—just dropped a bombshell. They're acquiring a Paris-based crypto prime brokerage firm, signaling a serious push into European markets.

Why Paris matters

France has been positioning itself as Europe's crypto hub—flexing lighter regulations compared to some neighbors. For Coincheck, this isn't just an acquisition—it's a backdoor into EU liquidity and institutional clients. Prime brokerages handle large-volume trades for big players—hedge funds, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals. This move positions Coincheck directly against established players like Binance and Coinbase in the region.

Timing is everything

With crypto markets heating up again, exchanges are racing to scale. Coincheck's parent, Monex Group, knows a thing or two about regulatory navigation—having steered Coincheck through Japan's rigorous FSA approvals post-hack. Acquiring a regulated entity in the EU bypasses years of compliance groundwork.

One cynical take? Traditional finance firms still can't decide if crypto is a scam or the future—so they're buying both sides. Coincheck just made sure they're on the winning ticket.