Digital Assets

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Stolen Bitcoin Returned to South Korean Prosecutors - Reports

By Manesh Samtani | 20/02/2026

Authorities believe the thief returned 320.88 BTC because of prosecutors' efforts to coordinate with crypto exchanges to prevent any cash-outs.

KYC & CDD

Korean AML Regulator Loses Court Appeal Over Crypto Fine

By Manesh Samtani | 20/02/2026

A Seoul court has rejected KoFIU's appeal over a KRW 2 billion fine in a ruling that has broader implications on larger case involving Upbit.

Stablecoins

HK Lawmaker Proposes to Uses Stablecoin for Stimulus Payments

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/02/2026

A policy proposal links government consumption vouchers to Hong Kong's new stablecoin licensing regime, aiming to boost Web3 adoption and the economy.

Custody & Infrastructure

Korea FSS Extends Probe into Bithumb Error Payment Incident

By Manesh Samtani | 20/02/2026

Regulators have extended their inspection of Bithumb and expanded the team looking into the firm's $40 billion erroneous payment incident.

Cryptocurrency

SFC Issues First Virtual Assets Licence in Almost Eight Months

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 17/02/2026

Victory Fintech and VDX Custody secure licences for trading and custody, with the group

Market Abuse

Korea Deploying AI and Nvidia GPUs to Combat Crypto Manipulation

By Manesh Samtani | 17/02/2026

The FSS is upgrading its VISTA surveillance platform in response to a surge in suspicious transactions and illegal cross-border remittances.

Cryptocurrency

Korea: Mirae Asset Group to Acquire Cryptocurrency Exchange Korbit

By Manesh Samtani | 17/02/2026

The $93mn deal marks the first time a traditional financial institution in South Korea will have a crypto exchange as a subsidiary.

Cryptocurrency

Korea to Impose Bank-Grade Controls on Crypto Exchanges After Bithumb Error

By Mark Johnston | 17/02/2026

A USD 40 billion Bitcoin misallocation at Bithumb has triggered a regulatory overhaul, with authorities now demanding compliance on par with traditional banks.

Trading & Investment

Korea Grants Preliminary Approvals to Fractional Investment Exchanges

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 17/02/2026

The FSC approved applications to operate OTC platforms for beneficiary certificates from the KDX consortium and the NXT Consortium.