Bithumb, the South Korean cryptocurrency exchange that was hacked for over $30 million last month, is eyeing expansion in two Asian countries, according to a new exclusive report from ZDNet.

According to the report, Bithumb is planning to open exchanges in neighboring Asian countries Thailand and Japan, with a target open date of October 2018 and February 2019 respectively.

Bithumb has registered with and is seeking approval from Japan’s Financial Services Agency - the chief financial watchdog overseeing and making waves in the region’s cryptocurrency space. The FSA has been extra diligent in allowing cryptocurrency exchanges to operate in the country, and has tightened up cyber security requirements for those currently already in operation, even going as far as to suspend some exchanges and issue business improvement orders to others.

A spokesperson for Bithumb explained that they are targeting the Japanese market because “Japan accounts for 50% of the global financial market” and “Japan plays a central role in the world's money market."

Bithumb also says it is seeking permission from Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission. A spokesperson for the South Korean exchange offered the following reasoning as to why it is among its top prospects for expansion:

"Thailand is active in e-commerce and fin-tec industry, and the government is showing great interest in digital currency as it promotes smart city business.”

Bithumb has already established Bitsum Europe LLC in each region in preparation for their new exchange business ventures.

Bithumb also says that it is considering expanding to additional countries as part of its 'Strategic Partner Recruitment Announcement for Bithumb Global Exchange Operations.’ Other countries being considered include the United States, China, UK, India, Canada, Australia, Russia, and more.

Despite the aggressive expansion efforts, there are countries the exchange does not want to do business with. Back in May, the popular South Korean cryptocurrency exchange banned customers in Iran, Syria, Iraq, North Korea, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Vanuatu, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Yemen from doing business on their exchange.