South Korea Greenlights Spot Crypto ETFs, Fast-Tracks Stablecoin Rules in 2026 Strategy

Overview

• Seoul’s 2026 Economic Growth Strategy confirms authorization of spot digital-asset ETFs, starting with Bitcoin, reversing previous restrictions.
• The Financial Services Commission will accelerate a phase-two bill for stablecoins requiring issuer licensing, minimum capital, 100% reserves, and legally enforceable redemption rights.
• A framework for cross-border stablecoin transfers will be jointly overseen by the Financial Services Commission and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance to manage flows and deter illicit use.
• The government will pilot deposit-token payments in 2026 and pursue amendments to the Bank of Korea Act and the National Treasury Management Act by year-end to enable blockchain-based treasury settlement.
• Authorities target routing up to 25% of national treasury transactions through deposit tokens by 2030, with public institutions slated to use digital wallets for routine payments once systems are in place.