The Financial Services Commission of South Korea (FSC) has announced an investigation into transaction fees charged by local crypto exchanges aimed at reducing trading costs for users, particularly younger investors.
Objectives of the FSC Investigation
The investigation targets the transaction fees imposed on users by exchanges such as Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone. This move aligns with the promise made by the newly elected President Lee Jae-myung to reduce trading fees to boost youth participation in the crypto market.
Analysis of Existing Fees
The FSC plans to survey major local exchanges to analyze their fee structures and charging methods. The goal is to determine if these fees are excessive compared to international benchmarks. An FSC spokesperson highlighted the need to assess whether domestic fees are disproportionately high relative to overseas platforms.
Broader Context of Government Initiatives
This investigation is part of a broader government effort to create a more accessible and transparent cryptocurrency trading environment in South Korea. Other initiatives under President Lee’s administration include exploring on-chain stablecoins and spot Bitcoin ETFs.
In summary, South Korea’s FSC is actively scrutinizing local crypto exchange fees as part of a strategic push to make cryptocurrency trading more affordable and competitive, especially for younger traders.