- KB Kookmin Bank files 17 trademarks in preparation for national stablecoin rollout.
- Eight top banks join forces to launch Korean won-backed stablecoins by 2026.
- Government and lawmakers accelerate support for compliant stablecoin infrastructure.
South Korea’s largest commercial bank, KB Kookmin, is accelerating its entry into the stablecoin sector according to Coingecko data. In a bold move reflecting the nation’s evolving digital finance landscape, the bank has filed a series of trademark applications tied to Korean won-pegged digital assets. This comes as the country prepares to establish a consortium of leading financial institutions aimed at launching a national stablecoin initiative.
KB filed 17 trademark applications this week through the Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service. These applications include potential ticker symbols like KBKRW, KRWKB, KBST, and KRWST.
The filings also cover software tools related to digital currency management and blockchain-based transaction systems. These trademarks signal a strategic push to secure key branding elements before the official launch of the banking consortium.
NEWS: South Korea’s largest bank files new stablecoin trademarks ahead of upcoming stablecoin consortium. pic.twitter.com/3z2I8bqO4t
— CoinGecko (@coingecko) June 25, 2025
Nationwide Consortium in the Making
KB’s efforts align with a larger plan involving seven other top-tier banks. These include Shinhan, Woori, Nonghyup, IBK, Suhyup, Citi Korea, and Standard Chartered Korea. Together, these institutions are working to form a joint venture that would issue stablecoins pegged to the Korean won.
The banks are reportedly collaborating with the Open Blockchain and Decentralized Identifier Association (OBDIA) and the Korea Financial Telecommunications and Clearings Institute (KFTC). These two organizations provide critical blockchain expertise and handle South Korea’s payment and settlement systems. The stablecoin consortium is expected to launch either by late 2025 or early 2026.
Government Support Accelerates Stablecoin Push
The push for stablecoins is not happening in isolation. South Korea’s newly elected president, Lee Jae Myung, has voiced strong support for digital currency innovations. He has pledged to promote the development of won-backed stablecoins in collaboration with private sector leaders.
In addition, a bill introduced this month by lawmaker Min Byeong-deok aims to fast-track stablecoin legislation. The goal is to establish a solid legal foundation to ensure security, compliance, and faster adoption.
Market Competition and Preemptive Moves
Besides KB, other players like KakaoPay are also jumping into the stablecoin race. Last week, the popular mobile payments provider filed six similar trademark applications. This highlights the growing competition among major financial firms to gain early ground in the new digital asset economy.
