Despite the recent approval of spot Bitcoin
exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the US Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC), the South Korean Financial Services Commission (FSC) has stated that it
would not permit the trading of cryptocurrencies on its local financial market.
This decision, detailed in a press release yesterday
(Thursday), sends a clear message that South Korea is cautious about the crypto market. The FSC’s stance centers around the potential
contradiction between domestic securities firms brokering overseas-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs and the South Korean government’s position on virtual assets.
The FSC emphasized that such brokerage may violate
the Capital Market Act, raising concerns about aligning these activities with
the nation’s regulatory framework.
With no legal basis recognizing virtual assets, the FSC deems it challenging to allow the listing and indirect
trading of crypto ETFs through securities firms. However, the FSC has hinted at possible future developments despite its current stance. Additional reviews will be conducted as South Korea prepares to enforce a new law on virtual assets in July.
Recently, the FSC proposed a ban on crypto purchases using credit cards. This move addressed the watchdog’s
concerns regarding the illegal outflow of domestic funds on overseas virtual asset exchanges facilitated through card
payments . The FSC’s notice highlighted the risks
associated with card transactions on virtual asset platforms, including money
laundering and speculative activities.
The proposed ban is part of a broader strategy by South Korea to
establish a cooperative foundation with international brands, preventing
foreign currency outflow and strengthening measures against money laundering ,
Finance Magnates reported.
South Korea’s Crypto Landscape
As the proposal awaits public feedback until
February 13, it marks a crucial step in the regulatory landscape of South
Korea’s crypto market. The ban, if approved, is anticipated to come into effect
by the end of the first half of 2024, subject to a thorough review and
resolution process.
South Korea, renowned for its high crypto adoption
rate, is grappling with the challenges posed by the increasing popularity of
digital assets. This regulatory move follows the country’s previous mandate for
the verification of identification of users on local cryptocurrency exchanges.
Recently, the SEC approved 11 Bitcoin ETFs. This historic decision paved the way for spot Bitcoin ETFs to be listed on major US stock exchanges. Following the approval, the SEC’s Chairman Gary Gensler clarified the scope of this authorization, emphasizing that it pertains specifically to exchange-traded products holding one non-security commodity, Bitcoin.
Despite the recent approval of spot Bitcoin
exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the US Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC), the South Korean Financial Services Commission (FSC) has stated that it
would not permit the trading of cryptocurrencies on its local financial market.
This decision, detailed in a press release yesterday
(Thursday), sends a clear message that South Korea is cautious about the crypto market. The FSC’s stance centers around the potential
contradiction between domestic securities firms brokering overseas-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs and the South Korean government’s position on virtual assets.
The FSC emphasized that such brokerage may violate
the Capital Market Act, raising concerns about aligning these activities with
the nation’s regulatory framework.
With no legal basis recognizing virtual assets, the FSC deems it challenging to allow the listing and indirect
trading of crypto ETFs through securities firms. However, the FSC has hinted at possible future developments despite its current stance. Additional reviews will be conducted as South Korea prepares to enforce a new law on virtual assets in July.
Recently, the FSC proposed a ban on crypto purchases using credit cards. This move addressed the watchdog’s
concerns regarding the illegal outflow of domestic funds on overseas virtual asset exchanges facilitated through card
payments . The FSC’s notice highlighted the risks
associated with card transactions on virtual asset platforms, including money
laundering and speculative activities.
The proposed ban is part of a broader strategy by South Korea to
establish a cooperative foundation with international brands, preventing
foreign currency outflow and strengthening measures against money laundering ,
Finance Magnates reported.
South Korea’s Crypto Landscape
As the proposal awaits public feedback until
February 13, it marks a crucial step in the regulatory landscape of South
Korea’s crypto market. The ban, if approved, is anticipated to come into effect
by the end of the first half of 2024, subject to a thorough review and
resolution process.
South Korea, renowned for its high crypto adoption
rate, is grappling with the challenges posed by the increasing popularity of
digital assets. This regulatory move follows the country’s previous mandate for
the verification of identification of users on local cryptocurrency exchanges.
Recently, the SEC approved 11 Bitcoin ETFs. This historic decision paved the way for spot Bitcoin ETFs to be listed on major US stock exchanges. Following the approval, the SEC’s Chairman Gary Gensler clarified the scope of this authorization, emphasizing that it pertains specifically to exchange-traded products holding one non-security commodity, Bitcoin.
