KB Financial Group is exploring the possibility of a strategic partnership with Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer. KB Financial Chairman Yang Jong-hee will meet Bo Hines, CEO of Tether’s U.S.-focused subsidiary “Tether USAT,” on September 22 at KB Kookmin Bank’s new headquarters in Yeouido. The meeting is expected to focus on business opportunities in the stablecoin sector amid rapid changes in the global digital finance environment.
Tether USAT plans to launch a new U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, USAT, within the year, designed to comply with the U.S. regulatory framework known as the GENIUS Act. Against this backdrop, KB Financial is seen as exploring cooperation models that could apply to overseas remittances, payments, and asset management. Across the financial sector, stablecoins are increasingly recognized as a key tool to enhance efficiency in traditional financial services and to strengthen global competitiveness.
Korean financial authorities are accelerating discussions on digital asset legislation, including the potential introduction of a Korean-won-pegged stablecoin. If KB Financial partners with Tether, the collaboration could extend beyond global cooperation to future initiatives such as KRW-linked digital assets or expanded custody services.
However, the meeting does not immediately translate into a formal contract or business launch. Defining the scope of cooperation, regulatory compliance, risk management, and monetary sovereignty issues remain critical hurdles. In particular, anti-money laundering (AML) requirements, foreign exchange regulations, and central bank policy directions will be decisive factors.
Experts note, “Dialogue with a global player like Tether itself signals an expanded vision for Korean financial institutions. While short-term market expectations may rise, long-term success will depend on a concrete regulatory framework and proven real-world use cases.”
