South Korean financial giant KB files patent for stablecoin credit card

KB Kookmin Card, a subsidiary of South Korea's largest financial group, has filed a patent for a new payment technology utilizing stablecoins.

In a Wednesday press release shared with The Block, the company said the patent application covers a hybrid payment system that links users' existing credit cards with blockchain-based digital wallets. After registering a blockchain wallet address to their current credit card, customers would be able to use stablecoins held in the wallet alongside their existing credit card.

Under the proposed system, stablecoin balances in the linked electronic wallet would be automatically prioritized for payments. If the stablecoin balance is insufficient, the remaining sum would be charged to the credit card. 

KB said the design aims to lower friction for digital asset payments by preserving the existing card payment infrastructure, familiar user experience, and associated benefits such as rewards and protections. The firm said that it anticipates the technology to help stablecoins evolve beyond niche platforms and into mainstream finance.

"This patent lays the technical foundation for customers to use digital assets more easily and securely," a KB Card executive said in the press release. "Moving forward, we will explore plans to utilize the technology while considering regulatory and market conditions to prioritize consumer protection."

Local stablecoin push

KB's patent application comes amid ongoing regulatory developments surrounding stablecoins and the wider crypto market in South Korea. Under President Lee Jae Myung's policy push, the upcoming "Digital Asset Basic Act" framework is expected to establish a local won-pegged stablecoin market.

In June, KB Kookmin Bank was among the first entities to file applications for stablecoin-related trademarks, after local regulators and lawmakers signaled their support for the won stablecoin initiative. 

Following an extensive debate on what kind of entities would be permitted to issue stablecoins, the Bank of Korea and the Financial Services Commission have reportedly agreed that issuance would be centered on a consortium consisting of licensed banks. However, lawmakers from the ruling party criticized that this bank-focused structure would stifle innovation.

The Digital Asset Basic Act, the country's second comprehensive framework for digital assets, is aiming to be finalized in the first quarter of this year.