Nasdaq To List Japanese Crypto Exchange Coincheck Following SEC Approval

Coincheck, a Tokyo-based cryptocurrency exchange and a subsidiary of Monex Group, is the first Japanese crypto exchange to debut on Nasdaq. This historic move follows the approval by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 13, 2024. 

Through a merger with Thunder Bridge Capital Partners IV (TBCP), a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), Coincheck will list on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol CNCK, with trading expected to begin on December 11.

Coincheck Set to Become First Japanese Crypto Exchange Listed on Nasdaq

According to the latest SEC filing, Coincheck is on track to become the first Japanese cryptocurrency exchange listed on Nasdaq, with trading scheduled to begin on December 11. The listing will be facilitated through a merger with TBCP, allowing Coincheck to remain a subsidiary of Monex Group post-listing.

This development follows the SEC’s approval of the exchange’s draft registration statement on Form F-4, which was submitted on November 7 and became effective on November 12.

The listing will pave the way for more exchanges from Japan and other regions to enter the U.S. markets. Concurrently, a shareholder vote in December will finalize the merger and complete the steps for entry.

As part of the merger, the combined Coincheck-Thunder Bridge entity will have access to approximately $237 million held in trust by Thunder Bridge Capital Partners. This capital injection aims to support growth and expansion efforts as Nasdaq welcomes its first Japanese crypto exchange. 

Gary A. Simanson, CEO of Thunder Bridge Capital, will assume leadership of the merged company, which will operate under the ticker CNCK. Monex Group, the parent company of Coincheck, will retain an 82% majority stake. This will ensure the exchange remains under Japanese ownership despite its U.S. listing.

Implications for Global Crypto Markets and Exchanges

The SEC approval and subsequent listing reflect a significant step toward increased market integration between the U.S. and Japan in the cryptocurrency sector. With this listing, Nasdaq establishes a precedent for Japanese crypto firms and others eyeing expansion into U.S. markets. Industry analysts suggest that the listing may inspire similar moves by other exchanges looking to leverage U.S. capital markets.

Following the SEC’s approval, Thunder Bridge Capital has scheduled a shareholder meeting on December 5. In the meeting, stakeholders will discuss vote on finalizing the merger. The exchange debut on Nasdaq marks the culmination of a years-long effort to list on a U.S. stock market. 

More so, the partnership signifies the growing acceptance and integration of digital asset firms within the traditional financial market.