Navigating Change: South Korea's Crypto Exchanges Brace for New Reserve Requirement

<p>Amidst a dynamic landscape in the South Korean crypto
asset landscape, exchanges are bracing for change, with the Korean Federation
of Banks issuing real-name account operation guidelines that demand a minimum
reserve of 3 billion Korean won (USD $2.3 million).</p><p>While the guidelines aim
to safeguard users from potential mishaps like hacking or system failures,
cryptocurrency exchanges, which are already grappling with capital erosion,
could face challenges. According to the local media publication News 1,
the financial authorities, in conjunction with the Korea Federation of Banks,
will unveil comprehensive standards for the issuance of bank accounts as part of the new guidelines.</p><p>This shift is reportedly
designed to ensure exchanges are better equipped to provide compensation to
users in scenarios involving cyberattacks or technical glitches.</p><p>Coin Market Exchanges</p><p>In anticipation of the impending reserve accumulation
requirements set for September, exchanges facilitating transactions between
fiat currency (won) and <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/terms/c/cryptocurrencies/">cryptocurrencies</a> in South Korea have reportedly made
substantial progress in meeting the standard. However, the situation is
markedly different for coin market exchanges, which facilitate coin-to-coin
transactions.</p><p>Many of these exchanges
are facing significant capital challenges, making the process of accumulating
reserves a daunting task. This disparity reportedly has the potential to hinder
negotiations between coin market exchanges and banks regarding real-name
account issuance.</p><p>The Korea Federation of
Banks has stipulated that crypto asset exchanges should set aside 30% of their
daily average deposits or 3 billion Korean won (USD $2.3 million), whichever is
greater, as a reserve. Additionally, the guidelines include provisions for
enhanced customer authentication (KYC) and additional authentication for
collection transfers aimed at bolstering user protection. While these measures
are slated for implementation in January, the reserve accumulation mandate
takes effect earlier.</p><p>Broader
Regulatory Landscape </p><p>In July, South Korea
unveiled additional guidelines for the cryptocurrency landscape. Under the
proposed rules, companies engaging in holding or trading cryptocurrencies are <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/south-korean-companies-required-to-disclose-crypto-holdings-under-new-rules/" target="_blank" rel="follow">required
to disclose crucial details</a> about
their transactions to the Financial Services Commission (FSC). This includes information regarding the amount
of digital assets held, the characteristics of these assets, and insights into
the business models related to these holdings.</p><p>Transparency efforts in
South Korea extend beyond corporate entities. Lawmakers are also embracing the
push for accountability in the crypto asset realm. A bill adopted in May by the
People Power Party, the country’s ruling party, mandates lawmakers to <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/regulation/south-korean-party-seeks-early-enforcement-of-bill-on-crypto-asset-declaration/" target="_blank" rel="follow">declare
their crypto holdings</a>. This
move aims to foster greater transparency among legislators and prevent conflict
of interest.</p><p>In July, <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/south-korea-introduces-special-unit-to-combat-illegal-crypto-activities/" target="_blank" rel="follow">Finance
Magnates</a> reported that
South Korea had taken a proactive stance by <a href="https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/south-korea-introduces-special-unit-to-combat-illegal-crypto-activities/" target="_blank" rel="follow">launching
a dedicated investigative unit</a> in
response to the threat of criminal activities surrounding cryptocurrencies.
This multi-agency Joint Investigation Centre for Crypto Crimes is poised to
safeguard the interests of investors and curb the rising tide of illicit
actions within the crypto landscape.</p>

This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.