Eun-Bo Jeong, the Chairman of South Korea’s Exchange, has expressed a keen interest in launching crypto-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) this year, responding to a growing global demand for such financial products.
During the Securities and Derivatives Market Opening Ceremony on January 2, Jeong underscored the necessity for innovative financial solutions to rejuvenate South Korea’s capital markets, which have faced significant economic challenges over the past year, including a contracting domestic economy and geopolitical tensions.
This potential shift in South Korea’s regulatory approach is noteworthy, especially considering the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) had previously restricted asset managers from offering ETFs linked to crypto firms like Coinbase.
However, the introduction of crypto ETFs remains uncertain due to existing regulatory hurdles. Ki Young Ju, CEO of CryptoQuant, has voiced concerns regarding the country’s preparedness to approve these products, drawing parallels to the cautious stance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Gary Gensler, which has delayed the adoption of crypto ETFs for years.
The success of Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S., which have attracted over $35 billion in investments within their first year, may serve as a catalyst for South Korea’s interest.
Market experts predict further innovations in the ETF sector, including potential launches of combined Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, as the regulatory environment becomes more favorable. This evolving landscape could significantly impact South Korea’s financial markets and their global competitiveness.
