TL;DR
- Regulatory Deadlock: South Korea delayed its Digital Asset Basic Act to 2026 due to unresolved disputes over stablecoin issuer control.
- Stablecoin Oversight: Regulators propose 100% reserve backing and third‑party custody, while the Bank of Korea pushes for bank‑controlled issuance.
- Market Impact: The delay introduces uncertainty for exchanges and stablecoin providers, potentially affecting innovation and investor confidence as political pressure grows.
South Korea’s long‑anticipated overhaul of its digital asset framework has been pushed to 2026, reflecting deep regulatory disagreements over stablecoin oversight. Both government agencies and the central bank agree on the need for stronger investor protections, yet the dispute over who should control stablecoin issuance and reserve management has stalled progress at a critical moment for one of Asia’s most active crypto markets.
Regulatory Rift Slows the Digital Asset Basic Act
The Financial Services Commission is drafting the Digital Asset Basic Act to establish a comprehensive legal structure for crypto activity. The bill aims to introduce no‑fault liability, meaning digital asset operators could be held responsible for user losses even without proven negligence. It also seeks to raise compliance standards across exchanges and service providers through stricter disclosure rules and customer protection requirements. However, the bill’s submission has been delayed to 2026 as regulators struggle to resolve disagreements surrounding stablecoin governance, reserve control, and enforcement authority.
Stablecoin Reserves and Issuer Control at the Center
A major point of contention is how stablecoin issuers should be structured and supervised. Regulators propose requiring issuers to hold 100% reserves in bank deposits or government bonds, fully entrusted to licensed custodians. The Bank of Korea wants stablecoins issued only by bank‑controlled consortia with at least a 51% ownership stake, arguing this is necessary to protect monetary stability. The FSC opposes fixed ownership thresholds, warning that such limits could sideline technology firms and slow innovation in digital finance.
Market Uncertainty and Innovation Concerns
The delay has created uncertainty for exchanges, stablecoin issuers, and payment providers operating in South Korea. While no immediate market reaction has been recorded, industry observers warn that unclear rules may weaken investor confidence and prompt firms to delay expansion or seek friendlier jurisdictions. The stalled legislation also affects the potential reopening of domestic ICOs, which could return under strict disclosure and risk management criteria.
Political Pressure and the Road Ahead
Political urgency is rising as President Lee Jae Myung prioritizes developing a won‑backed stablecoin to safeguard monetary sovereignty. Meanwhile, the ruling Democratic Party is preparing its own version of a digital asset bill. The final structure of the Digital Asset Basic Act will determine how stablecoins and broader digital assets integrate into South Korea’s financial future.
