Market Trends - South Korea's crypto lending pause follows a significant liquidation event [1] - The event underscores a global trend of increasing market leverage in the cryptocurrency space [1]

Regulatory Action - South Korea's Financial Services Commission (FSC) has ordered domestic exchanges to suspend all crypto lending programs, citing risks of user losses and operation in a legal gray zone [1] - Exchanges must comply with the FSC's order or face on-site inspections [1] - The FSC will allow existing contracts to be repaid or extended but has barred fresh lending [3] - The regulator plans to formalize digital asset lending with new guidelines once user safeguards are in place [3] Market Impact - Approximately 27,600 investors borrowed ₩1.5 trillion (approximately $1.1 billion) in the first month of one firm's lending program [2] - About 13% of the loans were liquidated due to price swings [2] - The FSC flagged market disruption, citing an abnormal USDT sell-off linked to the new lending services [2] Lending Program Details - Upbit allowed users to borrow up to 80% of their deposits against BTC, XRP, or USDT [2] - Bithumb offered loans worth up to four times collateral [2] Future Outlook - South Korea is shifting towards structured crypto regulation, preparing spot ETFs, easing institutional curbs, and drafting a stablecoin framework pegged to the won [3] - Leveraged lending is currently on pause but not ruled out in the future [3]

Regulatory Action - South Korea's Financial Services Commission (FSC) ordered domestic exchanges to suspend all crypto lending programs starting Tuesday [1] - The regulator stated that these products exist in a legal gray area and could lead to user losses [1] - The regulator warned exchanges to comply or risk on-site inspections [1]

Regulatory Action - South Korea's FSC ordered domestic exchanges to halt all crypto lending programs, citing legal gray areas and user loss risks [1] - Exchanges must comply with the suspension order or face on-site inspections [1] - The FSC will allow existing contracts to be repaid or extended but prohibits new lending [3] Market Impact - Approximately 27,600 investors borrowed ₩1.5 trillion (approximately $1.1 billion) in the first month of one firm's program [2] - About 13% of borrowers faced liquidation due to price swings [2] - The agency flagged market disruption, citing an abnormal USDT sell-off linked to the new lending services [2] Industry Response & Future Outlook - The crackdown follows the rapid rise of lending services launched in July [2] - Upbit allowed users to borrow up to 80% of their deposits against BTC, XRP, or USDT [2] - Bithumb offered loans worth up to four times collateral [2] - South Korea is shifting towards structured crypto regulation, preparing spot ETFs, easing institutional curbs, and drafting a stablecoin framework pegged to the won [3]

Regulatory Action - South Korea's FSC (Financial Services Commission) ordered local exchanges to halt all crypto lending services [1] - The halt is effective immediately and will remain in place until new rules are established [1]

Regulatory Action - South Korea orders crypto exchanges to halt crypto lending services [1] - The halt is until new guidelines are established [1]

Crypto Exchange Services - South Korea flags Upbit and Bithumb's crypto lending services [1] - South Korea flags Upbit and Bithumb's margin trading services [1]