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South Korea Delays Digital Asset Basic Act to 2026 Over Stablecoin Issuer Dispute

The current draft envisions full bank‑custodied reserves for stablecoins plus no‑fault liability for platforms, with possible local‑presence requirements for foreign tokens.

Overview

  • Officials confirmed the bill’s timeline has slipped to next year after regulators failed to agree on who may issue won‑pegged stablecoins.
  • The Bank of Korea is pressing for bank‑led consortia with at least 51% bank ownership, a position the Financial Services Commission rejects.
  • FSC officials also pushed back on creating a new veto‑style licensing body for stablecoins, saying existing coordination is sufficient.
  • Draft safeguards would require 100% reserves in bank deposits or government bonds held by licensed custodians, introduce no‑fault liability, and could reopen tightly controlled domestic ICOs.
  • An earlier government draft would allow foreign stablecoins only with a local license and branch or subsidiary, while political leaders prepare alternative proposals and firms face prolonged uncertainty.