Crypto

Banks or non-banks? Last-minute tug of war over won stablecoin issuers

As discussions to institutionalise won-denominated stablecoins near the final stage, South Korea is debating how broadly to allow issuers. Authorities are consulting on issuer eligibility, reserve assets and redemption systems under the planned Digital Asset Framework Act. One option would allow issuance by consortia in which banks hold a majority stake. The Bank of Korea supports introducing private won stablecoins but stresses risks to financial markets and monetary policy as scale grows.

Finance

Financial sector hacking spreads, delays gain support for digital asset tax postponement

A string of hacking incidents in South Korea’s financial sector has led to confirmed personal data leaks at savings banks and mutual finance groups, prompting authorities to step up inspections and security requirements. Banks are moving to raise cybersecurity spending and expand fraud prevention systems using AI. Market volatility and a steep stock selloff also drew a policy response. Political debate intensified over postponing digital asset taxation and regulating exchange shareholders.