New Korean Financial Watchdog Chief Takes Softer Tone on Cryptos

The new head of a South Korean financial watchdog has taken a softer tone on cryptocurrencies and hinted that his agency may consider easing rules for exchanges, The Korea Times reports.

Yoon Suk-heun, the incoming governor of the Financial Supervisory Service, who is considered a reformist in the country, told reporters at his inauguration, "Regarding cryptocurrencies, there are some positive aspects."

Improving regulations, he said, would produce a more stable financial system with better services and products.

At the event, Yoon declined to go into detail about any regulatory changes that the FSS is mulling for domestic cryptocurrency exchanges, saying the process will take some time to be finalized.

The news comes after the country cracked down on domestic cryptocurrency trading at the end of last year, mandating real-name verification of exchange users as of the end of January 2018.

The FSC has been conducting inspections at exchanges to ensure they are complying with the anti-money laundering rules.

In March, it was also reported that South Korea's ban on initial coin offerings - brought in by the country's Financial Services Commission last September - could be eased in the coming months.

Local media suggested that the ban may be lifted in part, providing token sales meet specified conditions.

According to The Korea Times, Yoon will officially commence his role as governor of the regulator on May 8.

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