Thailand, South Korea & Vietnam Crypto Roundup: Jan 18–24, 2026 — Regulation, Exchanges & CBDC News
Jan 18–24, 2026 crypto roundup: Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam — regulation updates, exchange news, CBDC pilots, and market trends in Southeast Asia now.
Page views: 2
From Jan. 18–24, 2026, Southeast Asia’s crypto scene stayed active with policy shifts, exchange moves, and fresh CBDC talk. This weekly roundup highlights the top developments in Thailand, South Korea, and Vietnam, helping investors and enthusiasts track regulation, market trends, and adoption across the region.
Thailand crypto: regulatory clarity and market activity
Thailand’s crypto market continued to evolve as regulators emphasized investor protection and clearer licensing pathways. Local exchanges reported increased user onboarding amid renewed promotional campaigns, while financial authorities reiterated stricter KYC/AML expectations. NFT projects and blockchain startups kept attracting attention from venture funds, signaling ongoing interest in Web3 innovation. For traders, volumes reflected a cautious optimism as the market reacted to both global macro cues and domestic regulatory signals.
South Korea crypto regulation and exchange updates
South Korea remained a focal point for crypto regulation in Asia. Policymakers balanced consumer safeguards with innovation-friendly measures, prompting exchanges to update compliance frameworks and product offerings. Major local platforms fine-tuned listing policies and custody arrangements to meet new supervisory expectations. Meanwhile, institutional interest in digital assets and tokenized products grew, and market participants monitored tax and disclosure guidance that could shape trading behavior in the months ahead.
Vietnam crypto updates: adoption, enforcement, and policy signals
In Vietnam, authorities continued to send mixed signals—supporting fintech innovation while enforcing rules against illicit activity. P2P trading and digital asset communities remained active, and developers explored use cases from payments to supply-chain solutions. Regulatory clarifications around taxation and licensing showed signs of progress, but companies and users still awaited definitive frameworks to boost broader adoption and mainstream trust in crypto services.
What this means for Southeast Asia crypto
The week’s developments underline a regional trend: regulators seek to protect consumers and curb abuse, while entrepreneurs and exchanges push for clearer rules to support growth. CBDC pilots and discussions continued to influence payments and banking strategies, making 2026 an important year for crypto policy in Southeast Asia.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. BitPinas has no commercial relationship with any mentioned entity unless otherwise stated. Subscribe to the BitPinas newsletter for the biggest crypto stories across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
Published on: January 24, 2026, 3:05 pm
