South Korea Moves Toward Spot Crypto ETFs and Stablecoin Oversight
South Korea's Financial Services Commission (FSC) is drafting a proposal to support the launch of spot crypto ETFs, aiming for release in the second half of 2025.
The regulator plans to assess potential financial risks, investor exposure, and infrastructure needs while reinforcing user protections.
This move reflects President Lee Jae-myung’s campaign pledge to allow Bitcoin-based ETFs and aligns with broader efforts to formalize crypto investment vehicles in the country.
Alongside the ETF push, the FSC is advancing new rules for digital asset listings, disclosures, and market conduct. Stablecoins are also under review, with officials warning that growing reliance on dollar-pegged tokens could raise macroeconomic risks.
The FSC plans to align regulations with international standards and improve market transparency.
Additionally, South Korea’s top exchanges—Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone—will face a government-led review of their transaction fee structures to ensure fairness and proper disclosure.
