South Korea’s fintech giant Toss is exploring a bold move into crypto infrastructure, as the country prepares to roll out stricter digital asset regulations. The company is reportedly considering building its own blockchain network along with a native token—part of a broader push toward what it calls “Money 3.0.”
According to reports, Toss is still deciding whether to launch a standalone Layer 1 blockchain or build a Layer 2 scaling solution on top of an existing network. The final call may depend heavily on how Basic Law on Digital Assets shapes up, as the legislation is expected to define the rules around token issuance, stablecoins, and even crypto ETFs in the country.
A bigger bet on stablecoins and Web3
Toss, operated by Viva Republica, has already grown far beyond its origins as a simple money transfer app. With more than 30 million registered users and around 24 million monthly active users, it now offers nearly 290 financial services—from payments and lending to investments.
The company’s financial performance reflects that growth. In 2025, Toss generated about $1.8 billion in revenue, marking a 38% increase year-over-year. Operating profit jumped more than 270% to around $251 million, while net profit surged nearly 847% to approximately $151 million.
Speaking at the Seoul Blockchain Meetup 2026, corporate development director Seo Chang‑whoon described the company’s vision for the future. He emphasized a shift toward blockchain-powered finance, where money becomes programmable, verifiable, and seamless across platforms.
Regulation could reshape the game
At the center of Toss’s strategy is South Korea’s upcoming crypto framework. The Basic Law on Digital Assets is expected to introduce strict rules, especially for stablecoins. These may include requirements such as 100% reserve backing using low-risk assets, along with potential restrictions that could favor bank-led issuance models.
Lawmakers see the bill as a turning point. Min Byeong‑deok has described it as a key step toward giving local companies the legal clarity needed to issue Korean won-backed digital tokens—without relying on offshore structures.
Industry watchers believe the period between late 2025 and early 2026 could become a major growth phase for stablecoins in South Korea. Payment platforms like Kakao Pay and Naver Pay are also expected to enter the race, experimenting with cross-border payments and tokenized financial services.
Building the backbone of “Money 3.0”
For Toss, launching its own blockchain and token could serve as the foundation for a fully integrated digital finance ecosystem. The infrastructure could support a wide range of services—from loyalty rewards and remittances to on-chain lending tied to its SohoScore credit model.
Seo noted that the company aims to build a “borderless financial super app” by 2026, removing barriers across countries, products, and time. Whether Toss chooses a Layer 1 or Layer 2 approach will likely depend on how regulators balance control between banks and fintech firms.
One thing is clear: as South Korea tightens its crypto rules, Toss is positioning itself not just to adapt—but to lead the next phase of digital finance.
Also read : XRP Falls Behind BNB as Downtrend Continues
