The South Korean National Assembly passed an amendment to the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act, incorporating cross-border transfers of crypto assets into the foreign exchange management system

According to market news, the National Assembly of South Korea has passed an amendment to the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act, requiring companies engaged in cross-border transfer of virtual assets to register with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, bringing the cross-border flow of virtual assets such as stablecoins under the management system of the foreign exchange authorities.

The amendment newly defines "virtual asset transfer business," covering activities that transfer virtual assets between South Korea and foreign countries through buying, selling, exchanging, etc. Virtual asset exchanges and custodians are also included in the registration scope. The amendment also reorganizes the foreign exchange business system, integrating the original currency exchange, small overseas remittances, and other businesses into "general currency exchange business" and "overseas payment settlement business." For violations of foreign exchange transaction procedures aimed at obtaining improper benefits, the penalty has been increased from fines of less than 50 million won to imprisonment of less than one year or fines of less than 100 million won.