South Korea Considers Relaxing VASP Major Shareholder Screening and Access Rules, Sparking Controversy; Exchange M&A Landscape May Undergo Changes

According to South Korean media NATE, the South Korea Regulatory Rationalization Committee has proposed amendments to the Enforcement Decree of the Specific Financial Transaction Information Act to exclude minor violations from the eligibility restrictions for major shareholders of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), sparking market discussions on exchange M&A, new business entry, and regulatory fairness. This relaxation proposal also involves issues regarding the boundaries of authority under the Enforcement Decree.