Critics Slam South Korean Regulators Over Upbit Sanctions

March 9, 2025

Catenaa, Saturday, March 08, 2025-South Korean regulators’ sanctions against Upbit, the country’s leading crypto exchange, have drawn strong criticism for being ineffective. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) issued a three-month business suspension to Dunamu, the operator of Upbit, following revelations that the exchange facilitated nearly 45,000 virtual asset transfer transactions with 19 unreported, overseas-based operators.  […]

One in Four South Koreans Own Crypto, Survey Finds

February 19, 2025

Catenaa Tuesday, February 18, 2025- A new survey reveals that 25% of South Koreans now own cryptocurrency, with many investors seeking short-term profits. The survey, conducted by Hashed Open Research, surveyed 2,000 individuals aged 20 to 69. Of those, 507 people (25%) reported they are currently investing in crypto. The survey also found that interest […]

S. Korea to Launch Crypto Crime Unit Amid Rising Fraud 

January 29, 2025

Catenaa, Wednesday, January 29, 2025 – South Korean prosecutors will formally establish a dedicated crypto crime unit aimed at tackling digital asset fraud, market manipulation, and other illicit activities, according to local reports.  The Joint Investigation Unit (JIU) for Virtual Asset Crimes, currently operating as a temporary task force, will be officially upgraded to a […]

South Korea Launches Crypto Crime Unit to Fight Scams

March 2, 2025

Catenaa, Sunday, March 02, 2025-South Korea prosecution service has officially launched a specialized unit to combat crypto-related crime, including scams and fraud, amid rising concerns over digital asset fraud. The Joint Investigation Unit (JIU) for Virtual Asset Crimes, which had operated temporarily since 2023, is now formalized and will function with greater independence. The unit, […]

South Korea May Approve Bitcoin ETF After Japan’s Move

March 8, 2025

Catenaa, Saturday, March 08, 2025-South Korea regulators may move closer to approving Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) if Japan gives the green light to similar investment products, according to a new report.  The Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) have been closely monitoring Japan’s approach to Bitcoin ETFs, Maeil Kyungjae reported Tuesday. […]

South Korea Plans Crypto ETFs, STO Approvals by 2025

January 10, 2025

Catenaa, Friday, January 10, 2024- The Korea Exchange (KOSDAQ) is considering approving crypto spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in 2025, its chairman, Jeong Eun-bo, announced at the 2025 Securities and Derivatives Market Opening Ceremony. The move aims to revitalize South Korea’s financial markets after political turmoil dampened investor confidence.  Jeong emphasized benchmarking global cases to introduce […]

South Korea Reveals 3-Phase Plan for Corporate Crypto

February 15, 2025

Catenaa, Saturday, February 15, 2025 – South Korea financial regulator will roll out a phased plan allowing corporations to trade cryptocurrencies, marking a significant regulatory shift aimed at balancing innovation with financial safeguards.  The Financial Services Commission (FSC) announced the initiative following a Virtual Asset Committee meeting Wednesday, detailing a gradual integration of businesses into […]

South Korean Banks Compete for Crypto Exchange Deals

February 22, 2025

Catenaa, Saturday, February 22, 2025 – South Korean banks are ramping up efforts to strike partnerships with the nation’s top cryptocurrency exchanges as regulators prepare to allow firms to invest in digital assets, a move expected to fuel significant market growth. According to local media reports, banks are closely monitoring Upbit, South Korea’s largest crypto […]

South Korean P2P Lender CEO Accused of Using Funds for Crypto

February 6, 2025

Catenaa, Wednesday, February 05, 2025 – The CEO of a prominent South Korean peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform is facing accusations of embezzlement after allegedly using client funds for personal cryptocurrency investments. The accusations come from an investor who backed a real estate project with the CEO in 2018. According to reports from NBN Media, the […]