🤑 Crypto ETFs in Korea: A Match Made in 2026? 🤑

by

In a turn of events that would make even the most stoic of gentlemen raise an eyebrow, South Korea has deigned to grace the world with its approval of spot digital asset exchange-traded funds, as part of its 2026 Economic Growth Strategy. How very forward-thinking of them! 🧐

The roadmap, penned with an air of importance, includes the much-feted spot Bitcoin ETFs and their digital brethren. A triumph, indeed, for the crypto sphere, which has long been regarded with the same suspicion as a debutante with a questionable past. 💎

The government, inspired by the antics of the United States and Hong Kong, has finally decided to join the fray. One can only imagine the heated debates in the halls of power: “Shall we, or shan’t we?” Alas, they have chosen to embrace the future, or so they claim. 🌍

Until this momentous decision, local regulations treated cryptocurrencies with the disdain of a proud matriarch discovering a scandalous secret. But fear not, for the winds of change are blowing, and with them, a broader revision of digital asset laws. 📜

Phase Two Legislation: A Rush to the Altar

The Financial Services Commission, ever the diligent matchmaker, is hastening its Digital Asset Phase 2 legislation. By early 2026, the framework is expected to be as polished as a well-rehearsed marriage proposal. The focus? Stablecoin regulation, of course. After all, who doesn’t love a stable partner in these uncertain times? 💍

South Korea said in its 2026 Economic Growth Strategy that it plans to allow spot digital asset ETFs, including spot Bitcoin ETFs, this year, while the Financial Services Commission (FSC) accelerates phase-two digital asset legislation. The government cited active spot Bitcoin…

– Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) January 9, 2026

Issuers, take heed! Government approval, minimum capital, full reserve backing, and guaranteed redemption rights are the new calling cards. A far cry from the wild west days of the 2022 Terra-Luna collapse, which left many a fortune in tatters. One can almost hear the collective sigh of relief. 🏦

Cross-border stablecoin transfers are also on the docket, a boon for trade settlements and remittances. How very convenient! 🌐

And let us not forget the reopening of doors for pension funds, asset managers, and corporate treasuries. Regulated exposure to crypto assets? Why, it’s almost as exciting as a surprise inheritance! 💼

Blockchain in Public Finance: A Novel Courtship

The South Korean government, ever the innovator, plans to integrate blockchain into its fiscal operations. By 2030, a quarter of the national treasury is expected to be distributed through digital assets. How very daring! A pilot program using deposit tokens, backed by commercial bank deposits, will commence in the first half of 2026, starting with subsidies for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. How quaintly modern! 🚗⚡

The system promises shorter settlement times, reduced fraud, and lower administrative costs. To support these grand designs, amendments to the Bank of Korea Act and the National Treasury Act are in the works, expected by the end of 2026. A legal basis for blockchain-based payment systems? How very progressive! 📊

Wallet infrastructure, point-of-sale integration, and links to the national fiscal information system are also under review. One can only imagine the flurry of activity behind the scenes, like a ballroom preparing for the season’s most anticipated event. 🎩

Read More

2026-01-09 16:59