South Korea piloting post-quantum KRW stablecoin on Kaia

iM Bank, BTQ Technologies and Finger Inc. launched a pilot to issue a post-quantum‑resistant Korean won stablecoin on the Kaia mainnet. The project will test real-time reconciliation between bank reserves and on-chain token supply and implement NIST-aligned post-quantum signatures.

Vancouver-listed BTQ was selected as the core post-quantum security provider and will deploy its Quantum Secure Stablecoin Settlement Network across iM Bank’s pilot infrastructure. BTQ is also providing strategic advisory support to iM Bank and Finger.

The deployment pairs existing ECDSA cryptography with NIST-aligned post-quantum signatures such as ML-DSA. The approach is intended to let iM Bank continue current operations while preparing for future quantum threats. The pilot will also test a standardized smart contract design and connectivity for overseas distribution.

Kaia is the Layer 1 network formed from the merger of Klaytn and Finschia. Klaytn’s lineage links to Kakao and Finschia’s lineage links to LINE. Klaytn previously took part in the Bank of Korea’s central bank digital currency pilot under Project Hangang.

BTQ has listed Danal and Finger as early participants in its QSSN work in Korea. QSSN architecture was cited in the U.S. Post-Quantum Financial Infrastructure Framework as an example model for stablecoin issuance and administration keys.

Eight Korean banks are advancing plans for a joint venture to issue a won-backed stablecoin ahead of expected legislation. A banking industry official warned that foreign dollar coins could dominate the domestic market if current trends continue and urged a won-based digital currency to secure domestic financial competitiveness.

Whether the pilot advances to commercial issuance under South Korea’s QuINSA guidelines will affect the country’s timeline for post-quantum migration and regulated stablecoin adoption.

Newton, BTQ’s chief executive, wrote in the announcement that preparing for quantum threats requires changes across infrastructure, system implementation and institutional processes.