South Korea Lawmaker Proposes Digital Asset ETF Inclusion

Key Points:

  • Proposal to modernize South Korea’s financial system via digital asset ETFs.
  • Includes Bitcoin  BTC -1.06% and Ethereum  ETH -0.69% inclusion plans.
  • Potential shift in South Korea’s crypto regulatory landscape.

south-koreas-move-to-include-digital-assets-in-etf-act
South Korea’s Move to Include Digital Assets in ETF Act

The proposal signifies a significant regulatory shift towards integrating digital assets into South Korea’s traditional financial frameworks, potentially leading to increased investment and modernization efforts.

The proposal by the South Korean Democratic Party represents a transformative approach to financial regulation by considering digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum for new exchange-traded funds. President Lee Jae-myung openly supports the agenda, indicative of the drive for financial modernization.

“Lifting restrictions on spot Bitcoin and crypto ETFs” signifies clear executive backing for this reform.

With backing from the Financial Services Commission, the proposal focuses on regulatory and legal frameworks necessary for digital asset integration into ETFs. It aligns with President Lee’s fintech vision, aiming for implementation pending legislative actions by 2025.

The reform could prompt closer alignment with international ETF markets, potentially boosting digital asset investments domestically. South Korea previously opposed crypto ETFs due to perceived risks, but now looks to enhance its financial standing.

Industry stakeholders anticipate increased institutional capital following the ETF proposal. This aligns South Korea with global standards, aiming to replicate market reactions seen in other major economies after ETF approvals.

Historical data from U.S. spot BTC ETF approvals underscores potential market benefits. Expected outcomes include increased liquidity and investment flows boosting Bitcoin and Ethereum’s market presence in the domestic economy, as digital assets gain mainstream acceptance.

Otto Bergmanr

Otte Bergmar is a crypto journalist covering Scandinavian and European blockchain markets, with a focus on decentralisation, privacy, and the AI–crypto interface. He reports on Web3 startups, market structure, and EU policy; from licensing regimes to consumer protection and cross-border compliance. At TokenTopNews, Otte transforms policy drafts, regulatory disclosures, and on-chain data into actionable, decision-ready insights, helping readers understand how regulation influences blockchain adoption across Europe.