South Korea’s Financial Regulator Proposes Roadmap for Spot Crypto ETF Approval

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) has submitted a detailed roadmap to the Presidential Committee on Policy Planning, outlining a framework to potentially approve spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The move signals a significant shift in regulatory stance under President Lee Jae Myung, who has championed modernizing digital asset regulations.

The proposal targets implementation in the second half of 2025, marking a departure from the FSC’s historical resistance to crypto ETFs due to volatility concerns. The roadmap aligns with President Lee’s campaign promises to expand wealth-building opportunities for younger investors through regulated digital asset exposure.

Included in the plan are measures to establish regulatory frameworks for Korean won-based crypto transactions, reflecting broader efforts to integrate digital assets into the country’s financial infrastructure.