South Korean Lender KB Seeks Stablecoin Credit Card Use Through Patent Filing

TLDR

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KB’s patent links blockchain wallets to credit cards, prioritizing stablecoin balances for payments.
If stablecoin funds fall short, the remaining amount is charged to the linked credit card.
The design keeps current card networks, rewards, and consumer protections in place.
The filing aligns with South Korea’s push toward won-pegged stablecoins under new rules.

South Korea’s largest financial group has taken another step toward digital asset payments through a new patent filing tied to stablecoins. The move signals growing interest from major banks in blending blockchain tools with existing payment systems. While no product launch has been confirmed, the filing shows how traditional card networks could support stablecoin spending. The development also comes as South Korea prepares new rules for digital assets, including stablecoins linked to the Korean won.

Patent filing outlines hybrid stablecoin card system

KB Kookmin Card, a subsidiary of South Korea’s largest financial group, said it filed a patent for a payment system using stablecoins. The company shared the update in a press release issued on Wednesday. The patent focuses on a hybrid structure that connects blockchain wallets to existing credit cards.

Under the design, users would link a blockchain wallet address to their current credit card. Payments would then draw from stablecoin balances held in the wallet. If the balance does not cover the full amount, the system would charge the remaining sum to the credit card. This structure allows one payment flow while using two funding sources.

🚨NEW: 🇰🇷South Korea’s financial giant KB Kookmin Card filed a patent for stablecoin credit card.
The design allows stablecoins held in a digital wallet to be spent directly through existing credit cards. pic.twitter.com/OJ3LjBhki2
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) January 14, 2026

The company said the approach keeps the current card network intact. It also keeps familiar features such as fraud protection and reward programs. By doing so, KB aims to reduce barriers for digital asset payments while using systems already trusted by consumers and merchants.

Focus on usability and consumer protection

KB explained that the design prioritizes ease of use and safety. The firm said stablecoin payments often face hurdles due to separate wallets and unfamiliar interfaces. Linking stablecoins to cards could help users spend digital assets without learning new tools.

A KB Card executive said the patent “lays the technical foundation for customers to use digital assets more easily and securely.” The executive added that future use of the technology would depend on rules and market conditions. Consumer protection would remain a priority, according to the statement.

The company did not give a timeline for testing or release. It also did not name specific stablecoins or blockchains. The filing remains a technical proposal rather than a confirmed product plan.

Regulatory backdrop shapes stablecoin strategy

The patent filing comes during active policy work on digital assets in South Korea. Under President Lee Jae Myung, the government is advancing the Digital Asset Basic Act. The framework is expected to address stablecoins and broader crypto activity.

Lawmakers have discussed plans for a won-pegged stablecoin market. Regulators aim to set rules on issuance, reserves, and oversight. The Digital Asset Basic Act is expected to reach final form in the first quarter of this year.

Bank of Korea and the Financial Services Commission have reportedly agreed on a bank-led issuance model. This model would rely on licensed banks working through a consortium. Some ruling party lawmakers have raised concerns that this structure could limit broader participation.

KB’s wider role in stablecoin preparations

KB’s involvement in stablecoin efforts goes beyond the card patent. In June, KB Kookmin Bank filed applications for stablecoin-related trademarks. This followed signals from regulators and lawmakers supporting a local stablecoin initiative.

The new patent aligns with those earlier steps. It shows how banks are preparing infrastructure alongside regulatory planning. By focusing on payments, KB is targeting everyday use rather than trading activity.

South Korea has emerged as an active market for digital asset policy. Large financial groups are positioning themselves early. The stablecoin credit card patent reflects how banks are adapting existing services to fit new asset types.