David Edwards
Shares of several major South Korean banks have surged by as much as 20% following their recent filings for stablecoin-related trademarks, highlighting a wave of investor enthusiasm around the financial sector’s potential entry into the digital asset space.
According to Google Finance data, at least three leading institutions—Kakao Bank, Kookmin Bank, and the Industrial Bank of Korea—experienced significant share price gains after filing for Korean won-pegged stablecoin trademarks. The moves coincide with the June 4 inauguration of President Lee Jae-myung, whose crypto-forward campaign has sparked increased expectations for digital currency innovation.
Kakao Bank’s stock rose sharply by 19.3%, climbing from $22.60 to $27 following its June 23 filing of at least 12 crypto-related trademarks, as documented by the World Intellectual Property Organization. The bank’s proactive digital strategy appears to have catalyzed market optimism.
Kookmin Bank, a subsidiary of KB Financial Group, also filed for similar trademarks on June 23. The group’s shares initially gained modestly but continued upward, trading at $89 as of July 8—up 13.38% since the announcement.
Similarly, the Industrial Bank of Korea filed for stablecoin trademarks on June 27. Its shares climbed from $13.30 to $14.70, representing a 10.1% increase. These filings underscore a broader institutional pivot towards blockchain and tokenization, despite an absence of defined regulatory frameworks.
Cointelegraph reported that requests for comment from the three banks remain unanswered. However, industry speculation is mounting that these institutions could collaborate on launching a Korean won-backed stablecoin.
The surge in banking equities occurs as analysts raise concerns over speculative behavior. A research lead from Four Pillars, known as “100y” on X, cautioned that South Korea may be experiencing a “stablecoin bubble.” While financial institutions benefit from stock momentum linked to digital asset developments, the country still lacks comprehensive guidelines on stablecoin issuance and compliance, casting uncertainty over the long-term impact.
The recent activity illustrates the powerful influence of digital asset narratives on traditional markets. Yet, without regulatory clarity, the institutional crypto push in South Korea may remain speculative and vulnerable to shifts in policy or investor sentiment.
