South Korea delays first STO exchange licences as Lucentblock-Nextrade fight heats up
South Korea’s financial regulator delayed its decision on preliminary licences for new over-the-counter marketplaces for tokenised securities on Wednesday. The move came amid public disagreements over the approval process, according to reports and industry sources. South Korea has taken a crucial step toward integrating security token offerings—digital securities tracked on blockchain—into its regulated financial system, following years of pilot programs. Proponents argue this will open the door for small investors to buy fractions of assets like real estate, music copyrights, and art, instead of needing to purchase entire properties or full rights.