South Korea Tightens Crypto Regulation, Blocks 14 Unregistered Exchanges

April 15, 2025 – South Korea has escalated its efforts to regulate the cryptocurrency market, blocking 14 foreign crypto exchange apps from the Apple App Store. The crackdown targets platforms, including major exchanges such as KuCoin and MEXC, that were operating in the country without proper local registration.

Regulatory Action to Ensure Compliance

This action was prompted by a request from South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), which has been increasing scrutiny on unregistered cryptocurrency exchanges. The move reflects the country’s growing concern over ensuring that cryptocurrency platforms comply with its stringent financial laws.

The blocked exchanges were not registered with local authorities, which violates South Korea’s regulatory framework governing virtual assets. By removing these apps from the Apple App Store, South Korea aims to prevent unauthorized access to foreign crypto platforms that could potentially expose users to risks.

A Broader Crackdown on Foreign Platforms

This is part of a larger regulatory crackdown initiated by the South Korean government. Just last month, the FIU also requested that Google block 17 crypto apps operating without registration. Reports have suggested that the FIU is planning further actions, potentially including blocking access to the websites of certain exchanges that continue to operate outside the regulatory framework.

These moves reflect South Korea’s efforts to enforce compliance and protect consumers in the rapidly evolving world of virtual assets.

Impact on the Crypto Ecosystem

The decision to block these foreign exchanges underscores South Korea’s growing commitment to ensuring that the crypto market operates within the bounds of national financial regulations. By holding exchanges to account, the government aims to foster a safer and more transparent environment for investors and users of cryptocurrency.

While the crackdown may create challenges for global crypto exchanges operating in South Korea, it also serves as a reminder of the tightening regulatory landscape for digital assets worldwide.

As South Korea continues to monitor and regulate cryptocurrency platforms, this move is expected to set a precedent for other countries considering tighter regulation on the crypto industry. Investors and crypto enthusiasts will likely face more scrutiny and regulatory hurdles as governments seek to balance innovation with compliance and security.