South Korean authorities continue to send mixed signals as the Financial Services Commission broadens the scope of its probe into domestic cryptocurrency exchanges with Bithumb being the “primary target.”

Auditing Exchanges

As reported by The Korea Times, South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) is broadening the scope of its probe into domestic cryptocurrency exchange operators while requesting worldwide coordination in regards to cryptocurrency and digital asset regulation.

Stated an official on Sunday:

Following a request by the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) and the prosecution to address growing anti-money laundering compliance concerns and possible abuse of cryptocurrencies in money laundering and fraud, the FSC is looking into exchanges’ corporate accounts opened in local banks.

The official also noted that Bithumb indeed appears to be one of the FSC’s primary targets in a wider investigation, though declined to provide further details. However, another official added that UPbit is also under investigation, stating:

The FSC is collaborating with authorities in other countries. Our latest findings show that the domestic exchange faked its balance sheets and deceived investors. The FSC is checking UPbit’s computer system with prosecutors and the FSS to audit the exchange’s virtual currency holdings.

Mixed Signals

The increasingly strict stance seemingly contradicts new FSS governor Yoon Suk-heun’s previously reported claims that he is planning to ease regulations surrounding domestic cryptocurrency trading, previously stating, “there are some positive aspects to cryptocurrencies.”

As noted by The Korea Times, the two organizations work together but serve different functions. The FSC is in charge of policy regulation, while the FSS examines and supervises financial institutions. On the subject of cryptocurrency regulation, however, it’s becoming increasingly more clear that there is some disagreement between the two organizations.

Nevertheless, one FSC official claimed the two share a common goal, stating:

It’s untrue that the FSC has a different [stance than] that [of] the FSS regarding cryptocurrencies.

FSC Vice Chairman Kim Yong-beom also claimed the regulatory authority isn’t oblivious to the blockchain’s disruptive effects in the world of traditional banking and financial services. As such, he claims to be seeking the most effective regulation possible, stating:

Regarding the unique nature of cryptocurrencies, each country has its own assessment. That means an international discussion and cooperation among regulators to come up with policies on crypto-assets is necessary. We are seeing a steady development of blockchain technology thanks to its greater accessibility and efficiency. Because this technology has the potential to shake up today’s regulations on securities, regulators have to respond to such a looming challenge.

What do you think about the current regulatory uncertainty in South Korea? Do you think the situation is causing unnecessary FUD in the cryptocurrency market? Let us know in the comments below!

Images courtesy of Pexels, Bitcoinist archives, Shutterstock