South Korea Plans Bank-Level Compensation for Crypto Exchanges After Upbit’s Solana Token Breach

South Korea is implementing bank-level no-fault compensation rules for crypto exchanges after the Upbit hack, requiring platforms to cover user losses from security breaches or system failures regardless of fault, enhancing consumer protection in the digital asset sector.

• South Koreas Financial Services Commission is revising laws to apply no-fault liability to crypto exchanges, mirroring standards for banks under the Electronic Financial Transactions Act.
• The Upbit incident on November 27 involved the unauthorized transfer of over 104 billion Solana-based tokens valued at 44.5 billion won, highlighting vulnerabilities in exchange security.
• Since 2023, major exchanges like Upbit, Bithumb, and others have reported 20 system failures affecting 900 users and causing more than 5 billion won in losses, per Financial Supervisory Service data.

What are South Koreas new crypto exchange no-fault compensation rules？

South Korea crypto exchange no-fault compensation rules will hold digital asset platforms accountable for customer losses due to hacks, system outages, or other failures, even if the exchange is not directly at fault. These measures, led by the Financial Services Commission, extend protections similar to those for banks under the Electronic Financial Transactions Act. The initiative addresses recent vulnerabilities exposed by incidents like the Upbit breach, aiming to build trust in the crypto ecosystem.

How did the Upbit hack influence these regulatory changes？

The Upbit hack on November 27 prompted swift regulatory action when over 104 billion Solana-based tokens, equivalent to approximately 44.5 billion won or $30.1 million, were transferred to external wallets within an hour. Operated by Dunamu, Upbit detected the breach around 5 a.m. but delayed reporting to the Financial Supervisory Service until nearly 11 a.m., raising concerns about transparency. This incident, combined with a history of 20 system failures across South Korea‘s top five exchanges since 2023, has affected over 900 users and resulted in more than 5 billion won in losses, according to data from the Financial Supervisory Service. Lawmakers and analysts, as cited in reports from The Korea Times, emphasize that such events underscore the need for robust safeguards. The proposed rules would impose stricter IT security mandates, elevated operational protocols, and penalties up to 3% of an exchange’s annual revenue for security lapses— a threshold already applied to banks. Currently, fines for crypto platforms are capped at $3.4 million, which regulators view as insufficient. Political scrutiny has intensified, with some alleging the reporting delay coincided suspiciously with Dunamus merger with Naver Financial, further fueling calls for accountability.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat penalties will crypto exchanges face under South Koreas no-fault compensation framework？

Under the new framework, South Korean crypto exchanges could face fines of up to 3% of their annual revenue for hacking incidents or system failures, aligning with bank penalties. This replaces the current $3.4 million cap, ensuring proportional accountability. The Financial Services Commission aims to enforce these through upcoming legislative revisions, promoting higher security standards across the sector.

Why is South Korea accelerating stablecoin regulations alongside exchange protections？

South Korean lawmakers are urging regulators to submit a stablecoin bill by December 10 to establish clear guidelines for these assets amid growing market adoption. If delayed, the ruling party plans to advance it independently, targeting debate in the National Assemblys January 2026 session. This push addresses stability risks and integrates with broader efforts to safeguard users, as highlighted in discussions around pragmatic crypto privacy measures for the coming year.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced User Protection: No-fault compensation ensures crypto exchanges reimburse losses from breaches, similar to traditional banks, fostering greater investor confidence.
• Stricter Penalties and Standards: Fines up to 3% of revenue and mandatory IT upgrades will address the 20+ failures reported since 2023 by major platforms.
• Regulatory Momentum: Alongside exchange rules, a stablecoin bill deadline of December 10 signals South Koreas commitment to a secure digital finance landscape—monitor updates for compliance impacts.