South Korean Banks File 80+ Stablecoin Trademarks Amid Regulatory Shifts

South Korean banks are making significant moves in the stablecoin space, with multiple institutions collectively filing over 80 trademarks related to stablecoin operations. This surge in trademark activity is part of a broader strategic initiative as the country’s banking sector prepares for expected regulatory reforms in digital assets. KB Kookmin Bank has filed the most with 81 trademarks, including 32 for Korean won-based stablecoins and 49 for foreign currency pairs. This proactive move reflects the bank's intent to secure intellectual property rights ahead of any potential market launch [1].

Shinhan Bank, meanwhile, has assembled a 20-member task force to develop and prototype stablecoin services while also securing trademarks in advance. The bank is running proof-of-concept tests and evaluating various regulatory scenarios to ensure its stablecoin products can be integrated into its offerings seamlessly [1]. Woori Bank is pursuing a collaborative approach, planning to launch a custodial venture named “Vitgo Korea” in partnership with foreign entities. This initiative, aimed at creating a dedicated stablecoin custody service, has already seen new agreements being signed to support its development [1]. Hana Bank is also exploring the technical infrastructure needed to issue Korean won stablecoins, further underlining the sector’s readiness for regulatory change.

These moves come as South Korea is reportedly reviewing new legislation, including the Digital Asset Basic Act (DABA), which is expected to create a unified legal framework for stablecoins, NFTs, and crypto custody. The DABA is positioned to streamline regulatory oversight in contrast to the fragmented approach in the U.S., where the proposed GENIUS Act focuses only on payment stablecoins and lacks a cohesive legal structure [1].

According to Sangmin Seo, head of the Kaia DLT Foundation, South Korea's regulatory clarity is becoming a key factor in attracting investment and innovation in digital assets. He noted that the government’s push to position crypto as a national growth engine—alongside AI and semiconductors—has further encouraged banks to act decisively [1]. This alignment between policy and business strategy is expected to play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of digital finance tools in the region.

With major banks like Woori, KB Kookmin, Shinhan, and Hana leading the charge—and regional lenders such as Busan Bank and K-Bank also entering the space—South Korea’s banking sector is clearly positioning itself to take a leading role in the global evolution of stablecoin-based financial infrastructure [1].

Source: [1] South Korea banks file 80+ stablecoin trademarks – Here’s what’s going on! (https://ambcrypto.com/south-korea-banks-file-80-stablecoin-trademarks-heres-whats-going-on/)