South Korea's Bold Shift to Crypto Exchange Licensing
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
- Regulatory Transformation: Chairman Lee Eok-won's proposal to shift from a registration-based model to a formal licensing system aims to enhance market stability and investor protection, marking a significant advancement in South Korea's digital asset oversight.
- Industry Consolidation Expected: The new licensing framework requires exchanges to demonstrate enhanced operational capabilities and financial reserves, likely leading to industry consolidation as smaller platforms may exit the market, thereby strengthening the financial foundations and security protocols of surviving exchanges.
- Enhanced Investor Protection: The proposed system is set to improve market transparency through stricter custody requirements and standardized reporting, reducing counterparty risk and is expected to attract more institutional investors to South Korea's digital asset markets.
- Alignment with International Standards: Chairman Lee emphasized that the new regulations will align with international standards, facilitating cross-border cooperation and enhancing the global competitiveness of South Korean exchanges, reflecting a deep understanding of global digital asset regulatory trends.
About the author

Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.







