South Korea to Begin Global Sharing of Crypto Transaction Data in 2027 - Game-Changer for Market Transparency
South Korea just dropped a regulatory bombshell that'll reshape global crypto surveillance.
The 2027 Deadline
Seoul commits to full international data sharing within two years—putting every major exchange on notice. No more jurisdictional hiding places for questionable transactions.
Transparency Overhaul
Korean regulators finally align with global anti-money laundering standards. Cross-border tracking becomes reality—whether traders like it or not.
Market Implications
Expect compliance costs to spike while illicit flows plummet. Another step toward legitimization that traditional finance will pretend to applaud while quietly seething about lost loopholes.
Because nothing says 'mature asset class' like handing your transaction history to every government on earth—bankers must be thrilled they're not the only ones under microscope now.
South Korea is set to share crypto transaction data with tax authorities, following OECD's CARF framework. This signals a growing trend: global cooperation in crypto regulation.
On one hand, it enhances user fund safety and combats tax evasion.
On the other, it…
— Starbase (@starbaseacc) September 2, 2025
Exchanges Like Upbit, Bithumb Will Have Identifying, Transactional Data Collected
Foreign investors trading Bitcoin and other crypto assets on Korean venues such as Upbit and Bithumb will have identifying and transactional data collected. The data will then be shared via CARF to their home authorities from 2027.
Details of Korean nationals investing in overseas asset exchanges will also be shared with National tax Service (NTS). Currently, the NTS requires voluntary reporting of overseas financial accounts holding more than KRW 500 million in stocks, deposits and virtual assets. According to the NTS, the amount of overseas virtual assets reported this year reached KRW 11.1 trillion, an increase of KRW 700 billion from the previous year.
“Under the Virtual Asset Information Exchange Agreement, domestic virtual asset operators will be required to report personal information and transaction information of residents of partner countries to their respective tax authorities starting next year,” the report said. “This information sharing will begin in 2027, but transaction records will be included starting next year.”
Tether, Circle Court South Korean Banks As Nation Prepares Stablecoin Regulatory Framework
South Korea is now actively in the global race to regulate stablecoins. America’s recent push with the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act is clearly the catalyst in South Korea’s move to establish a formal regulatory framework. In August 2025, executives from the world’s two largest stablecoin issuers, Tether and Circle, landed in Seoul to hold meetings with the country’s financial leaders and regulators.
South Korea’s Central Bank – Bank of Korea (BoK) Governor Lee Chang-yong met Circle President Heath. “Koreans must have access to stablecoins denominated in their own currency when buying and selling digital assets or making international remittances,” said Tarbert.
Meanwhile, rival Tether took a lower-profile approach. CEO Paolo Ardoino met with executives from Hana Bank and KB Bank.
Key Takeaways
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Under CARF, information exchange will involve sharing all overseas virtual asset transaction details with tax authorities, regardless of value.
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CARF applies across transaction sizes, in contrast to Korea’s separate rule that requires residents to report overseas financial accounts exceeding KRW 500 million.
