South Korea to Regulate Cross-Border Crypto Transactions, New Rules Take Effect in Q2 2025

South Korea will soon regulate cross-border crypto transactions, with new rules taking effect in Q2 2025. These stricter regulations

South Korea is set to introduce stricter regulations for cross-border cryptocurrency transactions, aiming to curb illicit activities and tax evasion. These new rules, which will come into effect in Q2 2025, will require businesses handling such transactions to pre-report them to the Bank of Korea.

According to the regulations, companies must register with the central bank's foreign exchange authority before engaging in cross-border crypto trading. These businesses will then be obligated to submit monthly reports detailing their transactions to the Bank of Korea.

These measures are part of the government's efforts to strengthen oversight and ensure transparency in the country's cryptocurrency market. Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok highlighted the prevalence of illegal activities involving cryptocurrencies, stating that since 2020, South Korea has recorded foreign exchange crimes amounting to 11 trillion won ($7.97 billion), with cryptocurrencies being used in 81.3% of these offenses.

South Korea has been at the forefront of cryptocurrency adoption and regulation. In July 2024, the country introduced its first customer protection law for the virtual asset industry, known as the Virtual Asset User Protection Act. This was followed by a series of regulations focused on protecting investors and ensuring the sound development of the crypto market.

As part of these efforts, South Korea has launched investigations into tokens like AVAIL and NFP for alleged price manipulation. The authorities are also examining whether to allow initial coin offerings (ICOs) in the country.

Recently, Financial Services Commission (FSS) Governor Lee Bok-hyun discussed the government's plan to take a free market approach to cryptocurrency regulation. Addressing concerns about competitive crypto interest rates offered by exchanges like Bithumb, the Governor stated that South Korea will adopt flexible regulations to foster a competitive market.

These developments in South Korea's cryptocurrency regulatory landscape come amid varying approaches to crypto regulation globally. While some countries, like India, are considering banning virtual assets, others, like the United States, are taking a more measured approach, seeking to integrate cryptocurrencies into the traditional financial system.