Introduction
In a significant move toward enhancing its digital offerings, South Korea’s renowned financial app Toss is contemplating the launch of either a dedicated Layer 1 or a Layer 2 blockchain, along with its own cryptocurrency. This initiative aligns with its ambition to spearhead the development of a “Money 3.0” stablecoin, coinciding with the impending implementation of stringent regulations governing digital assets in South Korea.
Growth and Revenue
Operated by Viva Republica, Toss has rapidly transformed from a simple mobile transfer service to a comprehensive financial super app, boasting over 30 million registered accounts and 24 million monthly active users as of early 2024. Leveraging a range of nearly 290 services, including payments, trading, and lending, Toss generated approximately $1.8 billion in revenue in 2025 — a 38% increase year-on-year — while its operating profit saw a remarkable increase of 270.3% to around $251 million, and net profitability surged by an astounding 846.7%, reaching roughly $151 million.
Vision for the Future
During the 2026 Seoul Blockchain Meetup, Seo Chang‑whoon, Toss’s corporate development director, articulated the company’s vision for a future dominated by blockchain and stablecoins. He referred to this evolution as a transition into a “new ‘Money 3.0’ era,” emphasizing the potential of programmable money to enhance finance by making it more universal, verifiable, and seamless.
Regulatory Landscape
The anticipated Basic Law on Digital Assets is set to be a landmark piece of legislation in the Korean financial landscape, as it seeks to establish comprehensive regulations around token issuance and stablecoins. Lawmakers envision this law as a critical foundation for regulating digital finance, ensuring stablecoin issuers maintain full reserves in low-risk assets and possibly favoring collaborations led by banking institutions. Lawmaker Min Byeong‑deok has been vocal in advocating for this bill, suggesting it will provide a definitive legal framework that empowers local firms to issue won-backed tokens without relying on foreign markets.
Market Predictions
As the market destabilizes during the second half of 2025 into early 2026, experts predict a surge in the issuance of Korean stablecoins. Companies like Toss, alongside competitors such as Kakao Pay and Naver Pay, are anticipated to unveil won-backed tokens and explore cross-border transaction possibilities.
Strategic Initiatives
For Toss, establishing either a unique blockchain infrastructure or a native token could play a pivotal role in facilitating various initiatives, including loyalty programs, remittances, and on-chain credit solutions that merge its SohoScore credit system with smart contracts. Seo articulated the company’s goal to finalize this borderless financial super app by 2026, emphasizing the intent to redefine the concept of money—eliminating barriers across borders, products, time zones, and organizational structures.
