Korean Bank Stocks Jump After Stablecoin Trademark Filings
Overview : Three major South Korean banks witnessed stock price surges of 10-19% after filing trademark applications for Korean won-pegged stablecoins – a rally fueled by market optimism about their crypto ambitions. However, experts warn of a potential “stablecoin bubble” due to South Korea’s still-evolving regulatory framework.
Shares of major South Korean banks jumped significantly following trademark filings for stablecoins, signaling accelerating institutional adoption of digital assets. According to Google Finance data, at least three banks that recently applied for stablecoin trademarks saw stock price gains between 10% and 20%, reflecting investor confidence in their crypto pivots.
The filings came just weeks after the June 4 inauguration of President Lee Jae-myung, whose crypto-friendly campaign included pledges to develop a national stablecoin. This political tailwind appears to be accelerating financial institutions’ digital asset strategies.
South Korean Bank Stocks Surge Amid Stablecoin Wave
Data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) shows that Kakao Bank filed for stablecoin-related trademarks on June 23. South Korean media platform Industry News reported that the company filed for at least 12 crypto-related trademarks.
A day later, the bank’s stock price jumped to 37,000 Korean won ($27) from $22.60, a 19.3% increase.
Kookmin Bank (a subsidiary of KB Financial Group) also filed trademarks on June 23. Though initially posting a modest 4.3% gain (from $78 to $82), its shares have climbed steadily since, currently trading at $89, a 13.38% overall increase since filing.
Industrial Bank of Korea joined the trend on June 27, fueling a sustained rally that pushed shares from $13.30 to $14.70 – a 10.1% uptick. Notably, multiple other banks have since expressed interest in launching won-pegged stablecoins, suggesting broader sector momentum.
Researcher Says South Korea Faces “Stablecoin Bubble”
Despite the market enthusiasm, Four Pillars research lead 100y cautioned on X that South Korea faces a “stablecoin bubble.” The warning highlights a critical disconnect: while banks benefit from stock bumps after trademark filings, the country still lacks clear stablecoin regulations, creating uncertainty about long-term viability.
“Banks are rushing to capitalize on crypto momentum without regulatory clarity,” the researcher noted, adding that the absence of frameworks from South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) could expose investors to volatility risks. Market observers suggest this gap might delay actual stablecoin launches until 2025.
