KB Securities Signs Digital-Asset Infrastructure Pact With Canton Foundation, Wavebridge

Partnership to use network backed by Goldman Sachs and other institutions

Long-term goal is to distribute Korean financial assets globally

KB Securities is partnering with the Canton Foundation, a global distributed-ledger network, and digital-asset infrastructure company Wavebridge to support a distributed-ledger-based shift in South Korea’s capital markets.

KB Securities said June 5 that it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Canton Foundation and Wavebridge at its Yeouido headquarters on June 4. The three companies will jointly review ways to apply distributed-ledger infrastructure to transactions in South Korea’s capital markets through the Canton Network. Over the longer term, they plan to broaden the partnership with the goal of issuing financial products backed by Korean financial assets and distributing them in global markets.

The Canton Network is an open distributed-ledger infrastructure designed to enable the digitization and trading of real-world assets at scale while complying with traditional financial regulations. It combines interoperability, selective data disclosure and institutional-grade governance. Major global financial institutions including Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas, HSBC, Nasdaq, DTCC and Deutsche Börse Group participate in operating the network.

The division of roles will be based on each company’s infrastructure and licenses. KB Securities will lead the design of transaction standards and domestic adoption, drawing on its institutional client network and product management expertise. Wavebridge, a virtual-asset service provider registered with the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit, will handle digital-asset payment and settlement infrastructure. The Canton Foundation will support development of the network ecosystem and governance.

“The transition to a distributed-ledger-based capital market is an essential step for the future of finance, and globally it has already moved into the operational stage,” KB Securities Chief Executive Officer Kang Jin-du said. He added that the firm will play a leading role in building a trusted environment linking global infrastructure with South Korea’s capital market.

Wavebridge Chief Executive Officer Oh Jong-wook said the company will provide the operational foundation needed for South Korean capital-market participants, starting with KB Securities, to access the Canton Network on equal footing with global players.

Lee Min-jae, Korea Economic TV reporter tobemj@wowtv.co.kr