South Korea’s top securities bourse, the Korea Exchange (KRX), has declared it is technically and operationally ready to list Bitcoin ETFs and other virtual asset ETFs, as well as move toward 24/7 trading starting in 2026. Chairman Jeong Eun-bo announced plans to introduce new crypto investment products and derivatives as part of a broader strategy to tackle the long‑standing “Korea Discount” and modernize the country’s capital markets.

Japanese financial giant SBI Holdings and Web3 infrastructure firm Startale Group have signed an MoU to develop a regulated Japanese yen stablecoin targeted for launch in Q2 2026. The stablecoin will be issued and redeemed by Shinsei Trust & Banking, a subsidiary of SBI Shinsei Bank, while SBI VC Trade, a licensed crypto asset exchange, will handle its circulation.