TLDR
- Hashed’s Maroo blockchain balances openness with compliance for stablecoins.
- Maroo blockchain integrates AI tools for authentication and permission management.
- South Korea’s Maroo aims to enhance financial infrastructure for digital assets.
- Maroo’s Programmable Compliance Layer adapts to changing regulations for stablecoin use.
Hashed Open Finance, a subsidiary of South Korea-based crypto venture capital firm Hashed, has unveiled a concept for a new Layer 1 blockchain aimed at powering the country’s stablecoin economy. Named Maroo, the blockchain is designed with compliance features crucial for financial applications and will play a role in the country’s ongoing digital finance transformation.
Compliance-Focused Blockchain for the Korean Economy
Maroo aims to bridge the gap between the openness of public blockchains and the regulatory demands essential for financial applications. The blockchain is designed to integrate seamlessly with South Korea’s financial infrastructure while providing privacy and compliance protections.
Hashed’s CEO, Simon Kim, emphasized the importance of stablecoins in the global financial system and stated that Maroo seeks to offer a robust technological framework while adhering to South Korea’s regulatory standards.
Korea’s next economic infrastructure will be programmable — and it should be built with KRW and the AI era in mind.
KRW is more than a currency. It’s a coordination layer for the Korean economy.
And as value moves onchain and AI agents begin to transact on our behalf, the rails… pic.twitter.com/nMRH13DPzR— #Hashed (@hashed_official) January 22, 2026
According to Hashed’s press release, existing public blockchains such as Ethereum, while transparent, often pose challenges when it comes to enforcing anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) protocols.
Maroo’s solution includes both an “open path” for unrestricted transactions and a “regulated path” requiring identity verification or imposing limits based on transaction size. This dual-path system ensures that users can operate within a compliance-friendly environment, while also offering the flexibility of decentralized financial services.
Programmable Compliance and Privacy Features
One of the standout features of the Maroo blockchain is its Programmable Compliance Layer (PCL). This layer is capable of automating regulatory checks, such as transfer limits and sanctions lists, during transactions. The PCL is also designed to adapt to changing regulations, ensuring that the blockchain remains compliant with evolving financial rules.
Another key feature is the Verifiable Privacy framework, which allows selective disclosure of data when required by legal processes. This framework provides oversight capabilities without compromising users’ privacy, making it a unique proposition for businesses and financial institutions operating in regulated markets.
Additionally, Maroo is built with future-proofing in mind, incorporating AI tools to authenticate AI agents and manage their permissions. These tools can revoke access to the blockchain when necessary, adding another layer of security and control.
Support for South Korea’s Digital Economy Goals
The Maroo blockchain’s launch aligns with South Korea’s ongoing efforts to digitize its economy and improve financial infrastructure. The country is actively working on legislation for a KRW-pegged stablecoin market, which will be governed by the Digital Asset Basic Act. This legislation is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2026.
As South Korea prepares for the upcoming stablecoin market, companies such as KB, Naver, and Kakao have already started to develop related technologies and submit patents for stablecoin issuance. However, there are still debates regarding the eligibility for stablecoin issuance, with some lawmakers advocating for a more flexible approach to ensure innovation in the sector.
Hashed aims to collaborate with regulators, financial institutions, and tech startups to build a digital infrastructure for South Korea’s future financial ecosystem. The introduction of Maroo is a significant step toward realizing these objectives, positioning it as a critical piece of the country’s growing stablecoin and blockchain adoption efforts.
The Future of Maroo and South Korean Stablecoins
Maroo’s introduction to the market could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of stablecoin adoption in South Korea. As the country looks to develop a sovereign and stable financial ecosystem, Maroo’s compliance-first design offers a model that balances innovation with regulatory oversight.
If successful, the blockchain could serve as a foundation for broader financial services, not only in South Korea but potentially in other markets that prioritize regulatory compliance.
The Maroo blockchain is a promising initiative by Hashed to meet the demands of South Korea’s evolving digital asset landscape. By incorporating features that prioritize privacy, compliance, and AI integration, Maroo could become a key enabler of the country’s digital finance ecosystem in the years ahead.
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