South Korea Mandates Full Collateralization for Won-Pegged Stablecoins by October ∞ Regulation

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Briefing

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) will unveil a comprehensive regulatory framework for won-pegged stablecoins in October 2025 under the second phase of the Virtual Asset User Protection Act. This legislation mandates 100% collateralization of stablecoin reserves, stringent internal controls, and transparent operational standards for issuers, fundamentally altering the compliance landscape for digital asset firms. The primary consequence for the industry’s legal framework is the integration of stablecoins into the formal financial system with strict oversight, mitigating solvency risks and enhancing investor protection through a clear regulatory standard.

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Context

Before this action, South Korea lacked a clear and unified regulatory framework specifically for stablecoins, despite a growing domestic demand that saw stablecoin outflows reach $19.5 billion in Q1 2025. This ambiguity created a compliance challenge for issuers and posed risks to investor protection due to tokens not being fully backed by reserves. The existing regulatory landscape, while addressing broader virtual asset user protection, did not provide explicit guidelines for stablecoin issuance, reserve management, or operational transparency.

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Analysis

This new framework will significantly impact business operations by requiring stablecoin issuers to overhaul their compliance frameworks to ensure 100% reserve collateralization and implement stringent internal controls. Entities must establish transparent operational standards and undergo regulatory approval from the FSC, directly affecting product structuring and capital requirements. The shift necessitates a robust integration of asset management and daily operational oversight into existing systems, fostering a more secure environment for stablecoin services. This update is critical for businesses as it establishes a clear, enforceable standard, balancing innovation with essential risk management.

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Parameters

Issuing Authority ∞ South Korea Financial Services Commission (FSC)
Legislation Name ∞ Virtual Asset User Protection Act (Phase Two)
Targeted Asset Class ∞ Won-pegged stablecoins
Key Requirement ∞ 100% reserve collateralization
Implementation Date ∞ October 2025 (Framework Unveiling)
Minimum Capital Requirement ∞ 500 million won ($368,000) for issuers (as per Digital Asset Basic Act proposal)

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Outlook

The unveiling of South Korea’s stablecoin framework in October 2025 marks the next phase of legal process, with global implications for digital asset governance. This action is poised to set a precedent, particularly as other major jurisdictions like the U.S. and EU continue to refine their own frameworks. The emphasis on collateral transparency and institutional collaboration could accelerate the integration of stablecoins into traditional finance, potentially fostering innovation within a more secure and regulated environment. The market will closely monitor how this framework influences the development of domestically issued won-backed stablecoins and shapes international regulatory alignment.

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Verdict

South Korea’s comprehensive stablecoin framework establishes a critical precedent for digital asset regulation, driving market maturation through mandated collateralization and stringent oversight.

Signal Acquired from ∞ ainvest.com