ITCEN Global said on Jan. 19 it will step up its security token offering (STO) business based on real-world assets, taking as a turning point an STO bill that passed the National Assembly plenary session on Jan. 15.

The bill brings securities issuance using distributed ledger technology into the institutional framework. It also allows securities firms to trade investment contract securities, whose distribution had been limited.

ITCEN Global has prepared for the STO market around Korea Gold Exchange, which it said has the country’s largest gold distribution infrastructure. On the back of the new framework, it plans to launch a gold-based STO that combines the credibility of physical gold with blockchain transparency and build an ecosystem linking real-world assets and digital finance.

ITCEN Global plans to expand its STO lineup beyond gold to various high-value unstructured assets such as rare metals and commodities. It aims to upgrade STO-dedicated infrastructure and fully build a regulatory compliance system through partnerships with related institutions.

An ITCEN Global official said the legalisation of STOs was a decisive opportunity for ITCEN Group’s vision of “digitising real-world assets” to take root within the institutional framework. The official said the group will add Web3 technology capabilities to a strong base of real-world assets in Korea Gold Exchange to provide investors with safe and convenient investment opportunities and make a leap as a first mover leading domestic digital finance innovation.