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Korean Securities Firms Unite to Build Shared Security Token Infrastructure

Web3 & Enterprise·September 13, 2023, 5:44 AM

Shinhan Securities, KB Securities, and NH Investment and Securities are gearing up to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) later this month to establish a security token consortium, according to South Korean news outlet MoneyToday.

Photo by Louie Nicolo Nimor on Unsplash

 

Shared infrastructure

The primary objective of this consortium is to create a shared infrastructure for their security token operations. This initiative marks the first instance where the nation’s major securities firms are getting together to set up a security token consortium. Until now, securities companies have typically sought collaborations with banks, fractional investment firms, or blockchain technology companies, showing reluctance to cooperate with their direct competitors over concerns of potential loss of competitiveness.

An expert within the securities industry underscored the paramount importance of securing control over the infrastructure, particularly given that the security token market has not materialized. The expert further stated that once a collaborative network is built among the leading securities firms, it is likely to set the standards for the entire market. Meanwhile, the precise details of the plan have not yet been finalized.

 

Challenges in prior initiatives

Since the South Korean Financial Services Commission revealed the security token guidelines in February, the securities sector has been deliberating the creation of a shared network that would be accessible to all industry participants. This kind of system is considered ideal as it facilitates flexible expansion and cost efficiency. However, the discussion came to a halt due to conflicts between the Korea Securities Depository, the Korea Financial Investment Association, and fintech firm Koscom.

Meanwhile, installing an independent network is not very feasible, given that it not only incurs significant costs upfront but also has limited potential for expansion. This is why these industry leaders devised an alternative strategy in which they can collectively share the financial burden. In addition, Shinhan, KB, and NH plan to explore joint business models with the aim of maximizing the utility of their security token infrastructure.

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Web3 & Enterprise·

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LINE NEXT Captivates NFT Aficionados with Beta Launch of DOSI Land

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Policy & Regulation·

Nov 02, 2023

Incheon City to leverage blockchain for construction transparency

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Web3 & Enterprise·

Oct 03, 2023

SBI Holdings and TradeFinex Partner to Create a Trade Finance JV in Japan

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