By handling over 8 trillion won, or over $6 billion USD in assets under management, Korea Digital Asset Custodian (KODA) has accomplished a noteworthy milestone and demonstrated its leadership in digital asset custody in APAC region. This accomplishment showcases the worldwide influence and robust presence of KODA in the digital financial industry in South Korea.
With the help of Hashed, Haechi Labs, and KB Kookmin Bank, this financial giant has made KODA a reliable and secure partner for over 50 corporate clients that manage over 200 wallets. There is more development to be made by the country. With the scheduled enactment in June 2024, the Digital Asset Basic Act (DABA) will usher South Korea into a future where blockchain technology is not merely an experimental element but an essential part of the financial sector. It will do this by creating regulations for exchanges and creating new markets for digital securities. The Korea Digital Asset Custodian (KODA) catapulted to the forefront signifying an 80% command of the nation's market share by June 2023.
Furthermore, the established financial institutions are actively embracing the shift rather than merely observing it. By acquiring shares in KDAC, Shinhan Bank is demonstrating how traditional banking and cutting-edge blockchain technology can coexist. With these organizations realizing how important custodians like KODA are to the management and protection of assets in this emerging industry, South Korea is establishing itself as a global leader in digital finance.
Alongside the acceleration, cultural innovation is also being witnessed, as businesses like as Cube Entertainment are entering the metaverse, creating a "K-culture complex" in The Sandbox, and fusing entertainment and digital assets together. It's evident how South Korea is leading the way in the digital asset revolution rather than merely taking part in it.
KODA was formed in November 2020 by Hashed, KB Kookmin Bank, and Haechi Labs. The corporation went from having 2.3 trillion won in assets under control to 8 trillion won in just six months. KODA now holds an 80% market share in South Korea's digital asset custody industry, with more than 200 wallets and 50 corporate clients.
Combining his knowledge of technology and banking, CEO Jo Jin-seok guides KODA through the challenging world of digital finance. With a foundation of strict security and compliance to rules, his leadership cultivates innovation and gets KODA ready for impending changes in the business. Maintaining the company's development and innovation depends on such forward-thinking governance.
In light of the impending elections in South Korea, which may signal policy shifts, KODA is actively working to create a regulatory environment that is favorable to digital finance while promoting investor safety. Political parties' corporate digital investments and the launch of Bitcoin spot ETFs signal a potential revolution in the market. Participating in these talks and being adaptable to changing legislation demonstrate KODA's dedication to institutionalizing digital assets, which benefits the firm as well as fostering a more safe and lively market.
The global trend towards the institutionalization of digital assets emphasizes the necessity of custodians such as KODA. CEO Jin-seok Cho hopes that KODA would improve the environment for digital assets, particularly if Korea authorizes a Bitcoin spot ETF.
The significance of addressing investor protection and asset value at an early stage is highlighted by Simon Kim of Hashed. In addition to its technological expertise and compliance, KODA's involvement in South Korea's Web3.0 environment positions it to play a major role in the advancement of digital asset exchange-traded funds.
In my opinion, KODA's accomplishment of overseeing more than 8 trillion won in assets under management demonstrates not just its leadership in digital asset custody but also the quick development and widespread acceptance of digital banking in South Korea and throughout the world. This milestone—which translates into an 80% market share—shows how much KODA is trusted and relied upon by top financial institutions and business clients.
KODA has become a leader in the digital custody space thanks to the partnership of cutting-edge companies like Hashed and Haechi Labs with established financial institutions like KB Kookmin Bank. Through this collaboration, KODA's reputation as a reliable custodian is reinforced, and it also heralds the further use and incorporation of blockchain technology into traditional financial services.
With the passage of the Digital Asset Basic Act, South Korea's proactive legislative strategy has established a precedent for the institutionalization of blockchain technology and ensured that digital assets are acknowledged and subject to regulation in the financial sector. This progressive approach guarantees that the country stays at the forefront of digital banking, opening the door for further advancements and market expansions.
Don’t forget to like and share the story!
Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our brand-as-author program. Be it through direct compensation, media partnerships, or networking, the author has a vested interest in the company/ies mentioned in this story. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR