Taiwan Targets 2026 Stablecoin Launch Amid Regulatory Push

Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) has set its sights on launching the island's first regulated stablecoin by late 2026. Chairman Peng Jin-long confirmed the timeline as lawmakers prepare to debate the VIRTUAL Assets Service Act (VASA) this week, legislation that would establish clear rules for digital assets.

The regulatory framework, which has cleared preliminary reviews with what officials describe as 'high-level consensus,' would mandate stablecoin issuers to maintain 1:1 reserves in either New Taiwan Dollars or US Dollars. This move follows last year's expansion of anti-money laundering requirements to cover cryptocurrency businesses.

Market observers note the development positions Taiwan alongside Japan and Singapore in creating tailored digital asset regulations. The FSC plans to finalize stablecoin-specific rules within six months of VASA's passage, potentially creating new opportunities for compliant exchanges operating in the region.