Binance: "Korean crypto market is nearing a turning point for institutional capital entry" [Tokenomy Korea 2026]

[Financial News]"Although Korea accounts for only about 0.6% of the world's population, it represents 30% of global spot crypto trading volume. This is an indicator that demand in the Korean crypto market is driven by strong structural demand, not just a short-term trend."In her keynote speech at Tokenomy Korea 2026, co-hosted by Financial News and DAXA at KRX in Yeouido, Seoul, Catherine Chen, Head of Binance VIP & Institutional, said the global crypto market has entered a stage of integration with traditional finance. She added that Korea is also at an institutional turning point for the entry of capital.
Citing her 16 years of experience in traditional finance, Chen said, "In the past, the market asked what value crypto had. Now, the discussion has shifted to practical questions about how it can be integrated into existing portfolios and financial infrastructure."
Chen pointed to the launch of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by global asset managers such as BlackRock as a key catalyst for the institutionalization of the crypto market. She explained, "The launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs marked an important turning point in Bitcoin's entry into the institutional asset class," adding that "allocation plans for crypto assets began to be discussed as a major agenda item in investment committees of leading institutional investors."
Chen also emphasized Korea's unique position and potential on the global stage. As of 2025, crypto trading volume based on Korean won (KRW) reached $663 billion, making it the world's second-largest market after the US dollar (USD).
Chen noted that, like global institutions, Korea's financial sector is building its own infrastructure in preparation for competition that will intensify once regulations are fully in place. Domestic banks are continuing discussions on Korean won stablecoins, while the securities industry is also viewing crypto custody, security token offerings (STOs), and real-world assets (RWAs) as next-generation core businesses and is pushing ahead with platforms for issuance and distribution.
"Preparing related systems and internal capabilities before full regulatory implementation is a common global strategy for securing an early lead in the market," Chen said. "It is encouraging that major Korean financial firms are proactively carrying out such groundwork."
Binance plans to provide compliance systems and liquidity infrastructure in line with the expected expansion of corporate and institutional participation in the Korean market. The company has more than 310 million registered users worldwide and cumulative trading volume has surpassed $145 trillion.
"As the Korean crypto market moves into the institutional sphere, domestic institutional investors will need a partner that can provide liquidity and meet strict compliance standards," Chen said. "Through our dedicated Korea team, Binance will work closely with local financial institutions and related companies to support the market's stable growth."

elikim@fnnews.com Kim Mi-hee Reporter