GMO Coin

company profile

GMO Coin, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as GMO Coin) is a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange founded in October 2016, headquartered in Cerulean Tower, 26-1 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Inc. (listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, symbol: 9449). Managed by GMO Financial Holdings, GMO Coin is focused on providing retail and institutional investors with secure and convenient digital asset trading services, including spot trading, leveraged trading, lending, staking, and initial exchange offerings (IEOs). The company, through the technical support of its parent company, GMO Internet Group, provides advanced IT solutions to drive the development of the cryptocurrency market in Japan and around the world. As of June 2025, GMO Coin supports more than 28 cryptocurrencies for trading, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, and more, and was named the most popular cryptocurrency exchange in Japan by CoinDesk Japan in 2023. The company has an active community on Twitter (@gmo_coin), Facebook (GMO Coin) and LinkedIn (GMO Coin), with LinkedIn having about 783 followers and Facebook about 3,856 followers. GMO Coin is a member of the Japan Blockchain Association (JBA) and participates in Web3 and blockchain community activities, but does not publicly disclose details of the registered capital, shareholding structure, executive team, or advisory team.

regulatory information

GMO Coin is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan and holds the registration number "Kanto Local Finance Bureau Director No. 00006" under the Payment Services Act and the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act ACT) legally operates a cryptocurrency trading business. The company strictly adheres to Japan's financial regulations, including anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, to ensure transaction security and compliance. GMO Coin has expanded to foreign exchange (FX) trading services through its affiliate FX PRIME by GMO Corporation (now merged) to offer trading on major currency pairs from April 26, 2023. The platform adopts a non-custodial model, where users manage funds through blockchain wallets, and the platform does not directly hold assets, reducing compliance risks. GMO Coin complies with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Japan's Personal Information Protection Act (APPI) to verify user identity through a KYC/AML process. In 2024, the company did not explicitly respond to the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) or the European Union's Crypto Asset Market Regulation (MiCA) scrutiny of unregistered platforms, but its FSA registration ensures legitimacy in Japan. Details of the specific KYC or AML process were not disclosed.

trading productsGMO

Coin provides a variety of cryptocurrency trading products, and the core categories include:

Spot trading: Supports over 28 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Chainlink (LINK), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Solana (SOL), launched in 2017.

Leveraged trading: Cryptocurrency trading with up to 2x leverage is available to meet the needs of users with high risk appetite, and was launched in 2017.
Lending service: Users can lend crypto for income, launched in 2018.
Staking service: Support the staking of some cryptocurrencies to obtain network rewards, implemented in 2019.
Initial Exchange Offering (IEO): Token issuance and trading to support new projects, available from 2018 onwards.
Foreign Exchange (FX) Trading: Available from April 26, 2023, for major currency pairs (e.g. USD/JPY, EUR/JPY), integrated via FX PRIME by GMO Corporation.
Accumulation service: Allows users to invest in cryptocurrencies on a regular basis, launched in 2018 to reduce the risk of market volatility.

GMO Coin does not offer traditional financial assets (such as forex, stocks, or CFDs) and focuses on the cryptocurrency market. As of December 25, 2024, the exact trading volume or total value locked (TVL) is not publicly disclosed, but CoinDesk Japan's 2023 user survey shows it to be the most popular exchange in Japan.

trading software

GMO Coin provides a web-based and mobile-based trading platform, and the core functions include:

Web trading platform: Accessible through a browser, providing real-time market quotes, candlestick charts, technical indicators and account management functions, based on HTML5 and WebSocket, launched in 2017.

Mobile app: Supports iOS and Android, offers one-click trading, real-time notifications, and wallet management, launched in 2017, optimized in 2020 (Google Play).
API interface: Support Public API (no authentication required) and Private API (API key authentication required), allow automated transactions (Bot transactions) and data acquisition, and be enabled in 2017 (API Documentation).
GMO Coin Wallet: A digital wallet that supports storage, transfers, and transactions of 28 cryptocurrencies, launched in 2018, and integrates multi-party computation (MPC).

The platform connects to blockchain networks such as Ethereum through Web3.js and REST APIs, supporting low-latency transactions. The user interface is available in both Japanese and English, with a focus on both novice and professional user experience. In 2023, GMO Coin will upgrade its trading engine to optimize the execution speed, but some users have reported occasional latency problems. The specific API documentation is public, based on the Node.js v21.0.0 test.

deposit and withdrawal methodsGMO

Coin adopts a non-custodial model, and users manage their funds through blockchain wallets or bank accounts. The deposit and withdrawal process includes:

deposits: bank transfers (instant deposits), credit cards and cryptocurrencies (such as BTC, ETH), launched in 2017, and deposits are free of fees.
Withdrawals: Bank transfers (JPY) and cryptocurrency transfers are supported, with a processing time of 1-3 business days, implemented in 2017, and no withdrawal fees.
Fees: Spreads and gas fees (cryptocurrency transfers) are involved in trading, GMO Coin does not charge additional commissions, and new users enjoy a 14-day free trial of trading fees, launched in 2019.

Users manage their fund balances through the platform dashboard and need to complete KYC verification to connect their accounts. The platform supports "Easy Identity Verification", which allows users to start trading within 10 minutes of applying. Specific limits or supported payment methods, such as e-wallets, are not publicly disclosed.

Customer Support

GMO Coin provides multi-channel support for retail and institutional users, including:

Online support: Assistance with account setup, trading questions, and KYC verification via email, phone, in-app chat, and social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn), established in 2017.

Help Center: Trading tutorials, API guides, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) are available through the official website, and will be available in 2018.
Community Engagement: Share market updates and promotions via Twitter (@gmo_coin, approx. 3,000 followers), Facebook (approx. 3,856 followers), and LinkedIn (approx. 783 followers, as of June 2025), with high activity in 2024.

GMO Coin hosts online and offline events, such as the Crypto Asset Cup, which is planned for 2025, to enhance user engagement through the "Trade Island" platform. Customer feedback indicates that the platform is easy to use, but some users report delays in withdrawals and high KYC requirements that need to be improved. In 2023, GMO Coin will expand its multi-language support (Japanese, English) to attract non-local users. Specific response time or satisfaction data is not publicly disclosed.

core business and servicesGMO

Coin's core business is to provide cryptocurrency trading services through a blockchain-powered trading platform, combining low cost and efficient experience, with key services including:

spot trading: supports more than 28 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, XRP, LINK, DOGE, and SOL, and was launched in 2017 to provide high liquidity.
Leveraged Trading: Cryptocurrency trading with up to 2x leverage, launched in 2017, to meet the needs of users with high risk appetite.
Lending & Staking: Users can lend or stake cryptocurrencies to earn yields, launched in 2018 and expanded in 2019.
Initial Exchange Offering (IEO): Token issuance and trading to support new projects, available from 2018 onwards, enhancing the attractiveness of the platform.
Foreign Exchange (FX) Trading: From April 26, 2023, major currency pairs will be available through the FX PRIME by GMO Corporation integration.
Accumulation service: Allows users to invest in cryptocurrencies on a regular basis, launched in 2018 to reduce the risk of market volatility.
Digital wallet: GMO Coin Wallet supports storage, transfer, and trading of 28 cryptocurrencies, launched in 2018 and optimized in 2023.
API Tools: Public and Private APIs for institutional users, support for automated trading, launched in 2017 (API Documentation).

The clients include retail investors (novice and professional traders), institutional users (banks, investment firms) and high-net-worth individuals, with a particular focus on the Japanese and Asian markets. Launched in 2016, GMO Coin officially launched its trading platform in 2017 and was named the most popular cryptocurrency exchange in Japan by CoinDesk Japan in 2023. As of December 25, 2024, the exact size of users or trading volume was not disclosed.

technology infrastructureGMO

Coin's technology infrastructure is based on blockchain, cloud computing, and advanced IT solutions to build an efficient and secure trading platform. Key technical features include:

blockchain platform: based on Ethereum and other public chains, supporting the trading and settlement of 28 cryptocurrencies, using Solidity smart contracts, deployed in 2017.
GMO Coin Wallet: Based on Web3.js, it supports multi-party computation (MPC), AES-256 encryption, and multi-signature, launched in 2018 and added multi-chain support in 2023.
Transaction engine: based on HTML5, WebSocket and C++, supporting high concurrency and low latency transactions, enabled in 2017 and optimized in 2023.
API interface: Connecting blockchain networks, market data (e.g. CoinGecko) and payment gateways via REST API to support automated transactions, implemented in 2017 (API Documentation).
Mobile app: Developed on React Native, available for iOS and Android, offering real-time transactions, notifications, and wallet management, optimized for 2020 (Google Play).
Cloud infrastructure: 99.9% availability through AWS, distributed file systems (e.g., IPFS) optimized data access, launched in 2017.
ZEIbit.AI byGMO: Launched in 2023 for tax calculations and asset management for cryptocurrency transactions, based on Node.js v21.0.0.

In 2024, GMO Coin optimized the performance of the trading engine and API to reduce latency, but some users reported occasional stability issues. The specific server location or third-party security audits are not disclosed.

compliance and risk control systemGMO

Coin ensures compliance and risk management through the following measures:

KYC/AML verification: Requires users to submit proof of identity (e.g. My Number) to prevent money laundering and fraud, implemented in 2017 and enforced for derivatives transactions from January 2021.

Transaction monitoring: Detect abnormal transactions through algorithms to protect the security of the platform, launched in 2017.
Security of funds: Implemented in 2017 with a non-custodial model, multi-signature wallets, cold storage, and two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect assets.
Regulatory cooperation: Cooperate with the FSA and international regulatory bodies to ensure compliance operations, registered in 2017 (registration number: Kanto Finance Bureau No. 00006).
IP restriction: IP whitelist is set up through API keys to prevent unauthorized access, enabled in 2018.

The platform complies with GDPR and Japan's Personal Information Protection Act (APPI) to protect user privacy and data security. In 2024, GMO Coin verified smart contract security through third-party audits such as CertiK, but did not disclose the detailed KYC/AML process.

Market Positioning & Competitive AdvantageGMO

Coin is positioned as a leading cryptocurrency exchange in Japan, with the goal of providing retail and institutional investors with safe and convenient digital asset trading services through technological innovation and compliance operations. Competitive advantages include:

fully licensed operation: regulated by the FSA (registration number: Kanto Finance Director No. 00006), ensuring compliance, registered in 2017.
Abundant trading varieties: Support more than 28 cryptocurrencies, covering mainstream and small-cap assets, launched in 2017, ranking among the top Japanese exchanges.
Low fee structure: Free deposit and withdrawal fees, low trading spreads, and a 14-day free trading fee trial for new users, launched in 2019.
Advanced technology: Blockchain, cloud computing and ZEIbit.AI tools to ensure transaction efficiency and tax management, implemented since 2017.
User-friendliness: Launched in 2017 with a multilingual interface, mobile app and API, it caters to both novice and professional users.

Compared with competitors (such as BitFlyer and Coincheck), GMO Coin's full-license operation, rich trading varieties and low fee structure have significant advantages. In 2023, CoinDesk Japan user surveys revealed it to be the most popular cryptocurrency exchange in Japan.

Customer Support & EnablementGMO

Coin empowers users through multiple channels, including:

Technical Support: 24/7 online support is available, assisting with account setup, trading operations, and KYC verification via email, phone, in-app chat, and social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn), established in 2017.

Educational Resources: Share blockchain, cryptocurrency trading, and market analysis tutorials through the official website (GMO Coin), blog, and social media, expanded in 2018 to lower the barrier to entry for newcomers.
Community Events: Hold online and offline events, such as the Crypto Asset Cup, which is planned for 2025, and enhance user engagement through the "Trade Island" platform, which will be active from 2023.

Customer feedback indicates that GMO Coin's platform is easy to use and rich in educational resources, but some users report withdrawal delays and high KYC requirements that need to be improved. In 2023, the platform will add multi-language support (Japanese, English) to attract non-local users. Specific satisfaction data was not publicly disclosed.

Social Responsibility and ESG

GMO Coin has limited disclosures on social responsibility and environmental, social and governance (ESG) information. The platform indirectly supports market participation for retail investors by promoting financial inclusion through low-cost transactions and user education. In 2024, the company may participate in blockchain education projects to promote digital financial knowledge and demonstrate social responsibility. GMO Coin adopts the Ethereum PoS mechanism (upgraded in September 2022) to reduce energy consumption and indirectly contribute to environmental sustainability. Its parent company, GMO Internet Group, emphasizes social contribution under the "Internet for Everyone" philosophy, but the specific ESG plan is not publicly disclosed. The transparency and security of the platform can help improve the level of governance in the industry.

strategic cooperation ecosystem

GMO Coin's strategic cooperation includes:

Trijaya Pratama Futures: a broker regulated by the OJK in Indonesia, which may partner to provide compliance support, launched in 2018, details not disclosed.
PT Capital Megah Mandiri: Liquidity provider, partnered in 2018 to enhance trade execution capabilities.
GMO Financial Holdings: parent company, providing technical and financial support, integrated in 2017.
GMO Internet Group: Parent company, providing infrastructure and technical support since 2017 to enhance the stability of the platform.

GMO Coin interacts with the crypto community through Japan Blockchain Week (2023) and Web3 events, and plans to hold the "Crypto Asset Cup" in 2024 to expand its influence. The specific terms of the cooperation were not disclosed, and the cooperation ecosystem was relatively limited.

financial health

GMO Coin has not been fully disclosed, and the financing rounds or investors have not been publicly disclosed, and it is in an unfunded state. Revenue sources may include:

Trading spreads: Transaction fees charged through low spreads, implemented in 2017.
Lending and staking revenue: Revenue sharing from user lending and staking services, launched in 2018.
API Service Fee: The subscription fee for providing API interfaces for institutional users, implemented in 2017.
IEO fee: A service fee for token issuance for new projects, which will be charged from 2018 onwards.

In 2024, GMO Coin claims to cover the Japanese and Asian markets, but does not disclose the exact size of users or trading volume. LinkedIn (about 783 followers) and Facebook (about 3,856 followers) show that the community size is small, limiting the assessment of its financial health. GMO Internet Group's financial backing (with a market capitalization of more than $1 billion in 2024) provides stability, but specific profitability or balance sheet figures are not publicly disclosed.

development milestones

GMO Coin development milestones are based on its claimed timeline and publicly available information:

October 2016: GMO Coin, Inc. was founded to start the development of a cryptocurrency trading platform.

May 2017: Officially launched the trading platform, supported spot transactions such as BTC and ETH, and obtained FSA registration (registration number: Kanto Finance Bureau No. 00006).
June 2018: Launched lending services and IEO functions, expanding trading varieties to 28 varieties.
March 2019: Introduced a staking service and provided new users with a 14-day trial free of transaction fees.
August 2020: Optimized the mobile app with new multi-language support and real-time notifications.
April 2021: Became the No. 1 Bitcoin trading volume exchange in Japan (including spot and futures).
April 26, 2023: Launch of FX trading services through the integration of FX PRIME by GMO Corporation.
December 2023: CoinDesk Japan user survey ranked as the most popular cryptocurrency exchange in Japan.
March 2024: Participate in Liberia CBDC research to expand the influence of emerging markets.

Specific customer size, funding events, or awards (such as other recognitions outside of the CoinDesk Japan survey) are not further disclosed, and milestone information is limited.

future roadmap

GMO Coin plans to drive growth by:

expand trading assets: Incorporate more DeFi tokens and emerging cryptocurrencies to enhance the attractiveness of the platform.
Optimization technology: upgrade the trading engine and API interface to improve the execution speed and stability.
Enhance compliance: Potentially apply for international regulatory approvals (e.g., FinCEN or MiCA) to increase trust in the global market.
Expand the market: Expand into Asia and emerging markets through educational content and community activities, and plan to hold the "Secret Asset Cup" in 2024.
Emerging technologies: Explore AI-driven transaction analysis tools and blockchain interoperability, with plans to implement from 2024.

GMO Coin's long-term goal is to become the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange, overcoming the challenges of low trading volume and insufficient information disclosure.