TLDR
- South Korea’s leading crypto exchanges have opposed the proposed cap on major shareholder stakes.
- The Digital Asset Exchange Alliance stated that the ownership cap could harm industry growth and user trust.
- The Financial Services Commission suggested limiting ownership to between 15% and 20%.
- DAXA argued that such a move would weaken accountability and disrupt private business operations.
- The alliance warned that strict ownership rules might push users toward overseas platforms.
South Korea’s largest digital asset exchanges have opposed the government’s plan to limit major shareholder stakes, calling it disruptive, unnecessary, and damaging to market development, according to a statement issued by their representative alliance.
DAXA Criticizes FSC’s Ownership Proposal
The Digital Asset Exchange Alliance (DAXA) released a joint statement pushing back against the Financial Services Commission’s (FSC) proposed 15%–20% ownership cap. The group warned that such limitations would disrupt the current exchange ecosystem and harm investor confidence in the country’s digital asset sector.
DAXA, which includes Upbit, Bithumb, Korbit, Coinone, and Gopax, stated that imposing caps on ownership would undermine private business operations. The alliance believes the proposed cap could “impede the growth” of the domestic crypto market and limit the competitiveness of local firms.
The FSC introduced the proposal earlier this month as part of new governance measures being drafted under the upcoming Digital Asset Basic Act. The legislation is expected to finalize within the first quarter of 2026, forming part of South Korea’s second major regulatory framework for digital assets.
South Korea Exchanges Reject Ownership Cap Proposal
DAXA argued that artificially changing ownership structures would weaken accountability and disrupt investor protections across the crypto industry. “Major shareholders carry final responsibility for user assets,” the group said, warning that forced stake reductions could remove clear accountability.
The alliance also expressed concerns that such a cap could trigger capital flight and shift user trust to offshore exchanges. Exchanges noted that crypto markets differ from traditional finance and operate without borders, unlike securities.
They stressed that local investors and developers need a supportive environment, especially as South Korea prepares to expand its digital economy.
DAXA added, “Such rules could damage trust and reduce entrepreneurship across the blockchain sector.”
The proposal follows recent ownership changes among key exchanges, which have sparked debate about industry concentration. Upbit is set to merge with Naver Financial, while Mirae Asset is in talks to acquire Korbit.
Exchanges Call for Policy Reconsideration
DAXA requested that authorities reconsider the plan and focus on supporting a transparent, globally aligned regulatory approach.
“At a time when we should be prioritizing development, destabilizing property rights must be reconsidered,” the statement added.
Exchanges believe policies should balance investor safety with innovation and market growth rather than limit company structure. They emphasized the need to maintain consistency and predictability for operators and shareholders.
The Digital Asset Basic Act is also expected to introduce new rules for won-pegged stablecoins and spot crypto ETFs. These upcoming regulations will shape South Korea’s next phase of crypto oversight starting this year.
