BTQ Powers Quantum-Safe KRW Stablecoin Pilot in South Korea

BTQ Technologies has been selected as the primary post-quantum cybersecurity provider for South Korea’s first bank-led Korean won (KRW) stablecoin proof-of-concept. The Vancouver-based company will integrate its Quantum Secure Stablecoin Settlement Network (QSSN) into iM Bank’s pilot infrastructure, marking a major step toward quantum-resistant digital finance in Asia.

The project is being developed in partnership with iM Bank and Korean fintech company Finger Inc. The stablecoin pilot will run on the Kaia blockchain, a Layer 1 network created through the merger of Klaytn and Finschia. By leveraging Kaia, the initiative gains access to the large digital ecosystems connected to Kakao and LINE, two major technology platforms in Asia.

BTQ stated that the proof-of-concept is designed to test real-time reserve reconciliation between bank holdings and on-chain stablecoin supply. The pilot will also evaluate standardized smart contract frameworks and cross-border distribution capabilities for a regulated KRW stablecoin.

To strengthen long-term security, BTQ’s system combines existing ECDSA cryptography with NIST-aligned post-quantum algorithms such as ML-DSA. This hybrid approach allows financial institutions to maintain current operations while preparing for future quantum computing threats, including “harvest-now-decrypt-later” attacks.

The development comes as South Korean banks accelerate efforts to launch regulated digital won infrastructure ahead of expected crypto legislation. Reports indicate that eight Korean banks are discussing a joint venture for a KRW stablecoin initiative to prevent foreign dollar-backed stablecoins from dominating the local market.

BTQ’s QSSN framework has previously been referenced in the US Post-Quantum Financial Infrastructure Framework as a model for secure stablecoin issuance and administrative key protection. Industry observers believe the iM Bank pilot could influence South Korea’s broader transition toward quantum-safe financial systems and future commercial stablecoin deployment under emerging QuINSA guidelines.