South Korea Exchange may approve crypto ETFs in 2025
Trading platform plans for 2025
Chairman of the South Korea Exchange, Jeong Eun-bo, announced plans to consider the approval of cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in 2025. Speaking at the 2025 Securities and Derivatives Market Opening Ceremony, he emphasized the importance of diversifying the country’s financial sector through the introduction of alternative assets such as crypto ETFs.
Jeong addressed the challenges faced by South Korea’s financial sector following a political crisis that disrupted the stock market. The crisis escalated due to President Yoon Suk-yeol's unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law, leading to a mass sell-off of assets by investors.
To rebuild investor confidence, Jeong highlighted the need to draw from international experiences in implementing crypto ETFs as part of the strategy to revitalize the financial sector. “We will explore crypto ETFs and new areas in the capital market to attract both domestic and international investors,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to the country’s corporate value-up program.
Other cryptocurrency initiatives
Additionally, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, Kim Byung-hwan, expressed readiness to implement proposals for launching security token offerings (STOs) in 2025. He emphasized the need to improve the IPO system, refine listing and delisting procedures, and institutionalize STO platforms to diversify growth tools for companies.
Jeong and Kim are championing progressive regulations in the crypto industry to strengthen South Korea’s position in the global financial market. However, political instability, including the impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk-yeol, has delayed the development of relevant legislation.
Meanwhile, the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), a spot Bitcoin fund by BlackRock, recorded a net outflow of $332.6 million—the largest daily outflow since its launch last year.
