Plume Unveils KRW1 to Simplify Korean Institutional Investments in RWA

Introduction

In an innovative stride towards enhancing investment accessibility for Korean institutions, Plume, a leading player in the real-world asset (RWA) network, has announced the launch of its KRW-denominated stablecoin, KRW1. This initiative is designed to facilitate transactions and investments directly in Korean won, making it easier for local investors to navigate the RWA landscape.

Plume's New Initiative

The KRW1 stablecoin, developed in partnership with BDACS (Beyond Digital Asset Custody Service), represents a significant milestone in the financial integration of cryptocurrency and traditional investment approaches. Teddy Pornprinya, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Plume, emphasized that this new offering opens up a pathway for Korean institutions to engage directly in the RWA market using a currency familiar to them.

Currently, Plume boasts a vast ecosystem with over 280,000 RWA holders, managing an impressive portfolio valued at approximately $645 million in real-world assets. By introducing KRW1, Plume is aiming to attract even more institutional investors who seek to diversify their portfolios in a regulatory environment that supports innovation.

The Importance of KRW1

The selection of the Korean won as the first non-USD currency for Plume’s stablecoin rollout underscores Korea's favorable regulatory landscape and the increasing institutional demand for RWAs. With recent updates to legislation, including the Capital Markets Act and the Electronic Securities Act, the country has established a solid framework for tokenized securities, positioning itself among the more progressive RWA regulatory environments in Asia.

Regulatory Environment in Korea

Korea is recognized for its clarity in regulations, which fosters creativity and innovation within financial technologies. As major financial institutions in the region expand their engagement with RWAs and blockchain technologies, Korea is becoming a crucial strategic hub for Plume’s expansion initiatives across Asia. Pornprinya highlighted the importance of the regulatory framework, stating, "Korea is a market where regulation is relatively clear yet supportive of innovation."

Backing and Security of KRW1

Launched in September 2025, KRW1 is fully backed by deposits in Korean won held securely in an escrow account at Woori Bank, a reputable domestic commercial bank. BDACS has effectively completed a proof of concept validating both the technical and operational aspects of the stablecoin.

Hong-yeol Ryu, CEO of BDACS, pointed out that Plume has established itself as an institution-ready platform, equipped with embedded compliance measures and full compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). The launch of KRW1 enhances its position as a leading provider of regulation-aligned RWA infrastructure in Asia.

Opportunities for Investors

Plume’s platform opens up access to a variety of global assets through partnerships with renowned asset managers such as Apollo Global Management, WisdomTree, and BlackOpal. The inclusion of KRW1 enables Korean investors to make investments and receive returns in their local currency, significantly minimizing exchange rate costs and simplifying operational procedures.

In addition to enhancing institutional participation, the move also sets the stage for potential on-chain issuances by Korean financial institutions and the expansion towards other Asian currencies like the Japanese yen and Singapore dollar.

Conclusion

With the debut of KRW1, Plume is not only redefining the investment landscape for Korean institutions but also enhancing their capability to participate in the global RWA market efficiently. The foresight of Plume combined with Korea's evolving regulatory framework promises a more integrative future for digital assets in traditional finance. Investors keen on expanding their portfolios now have an unprecedented opportunity to step into this new dimension of investing.

For more details, visit Plume's official website.