South Korea moves to tighten stablecoin rules with a bank-led model
- The new legislation builds on the Digital Asset Basic Act by adding detailed rules for stablecoin oversight.
- The framework outlines how global stablecoins like USDT and USDC will be treated in Korea.
- Officials warn delays could leave Korea behind other regions that tightened rules in 2025.
South Korea is taking a major step toward formalising how won-based stablecoins will be issued and supervised, after lawmakers settled a long-running dispute over who should control the process.
A closed-door meeting brought clarity to the core question of authority, with policymakers agreeing that banks should lead the effort while still allowing tech firms to participate.
The move comes at a time when crypto adoption is rising among people aged 20 to 50, and when global players continue to dominate stablecoin markets.
With a December deadline approaching, officials want to finalise a structure that supports innovation but keeps monetary stability at the centre of regulation.
Consortium model defines the role of banks and tech firms
A Dec. 1 report by Maeli Business Newspaper said lawmakers agreed on a consortium model where banks maintain majority control of stablecoin-issuing entities.
Tech companies will still be able to participate, but financial institutions will take the lead to reduce systemic risks.
The goal is to create a Korean-style stablecoin framework that mirrors the safeguards of traditional finance, with clear rules governing reserves, issuance, and supervision.
The model was designed to align with the Bank of Korea’s concerns about protecting the money supply.
It also provides a common structure for private companies, reducing the risk of fragmented products entering the market without consistent stability mechanisms.
By setting shared standards early, policymakers hope to shape a domestic stablecoin ecosystem that can support innovation without compromising financial security.
Government faces Dec. 10 deadline for its proposal
Senior Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Joon-hyun said the government must submit its proposal by Dec. 10. If it misses the deadline, lawmakers will move ahead with their own version of the bill.
The aim is to pass the legislation during the National Assembly’s January extraordinary session, after consultation with the ruling People Power Party and the president’s office.
This new act expands on the Digital Asset Basic Act passed earlier this year.
That earlier law established licensing rules for issuers, requirements for reserve protection, and compliance obligations for virtual asset service providers.
The upcoming bill fills in the remaining regulatory gaps by specifying how stablecoins should be managed when they operate like traditional financial instruments.
It also provides clearer guidance for US-based stablecoins such as USDT and USDC, which have become increasingly influential in Korea’s growing digital asset market.
Push to match progress in global markets
Officials warn that delays could leave Korean companies trailing behind their global competitors.
The US, EU, and Japan strengthened their stablecoin rules in 2025, creating a more defined landscape for exchanges and financial institutions.
Korean regulators want to avoid losing momentum, especially as domestic interest in crypto continues to rise.
The updated framework aims to reduce uncertainty for developers, financial firms, and exchanges.
By bringing digital assets closer to mainstream financial oversight, authorities hope to support responsible growth and give consumers access to well-regulated products.
The focus is on keeping the domestic market aligned with international standards while maintaining space for private-sector innovation.
Lawmakers discuss wider reforms on security and markets
The meeting also covered planned updates to financial security and capital-market rules.
After recent hacking incidents at major financial companies, officials intend to revise the Electronic Financial Transactions Act.
Proposed changes include tougher penalties and stronger enforcement following cyber breaches.
Lawmakers are also working with opposition parties on a set of capital-market reforms.
These include rules that would require mandatory tender offers in certain corporate situations.
They also plan to update share-allocation standards so that everyday investors have fairer access to offerings.
The goal is to improve transparency and strengthen market integrity as Korea reshapes its financial regulatory environment.
The post South Korea moves to tighten stablecoin rules with a bank-led model appeared first on CoinJournal.
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