South Korea has marked a significant advancement in its digital asset sector with the integration of XRP into BDACS, a regulated cryptocurrency custodian. This partnership, initiated in February 2025 between Ripple and BDACS, is a crucial development for the institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies in the country. BDACS, a key entity in South Korea's crypto infrastructure, now provides secure custody for XRP, allowing institutional clients to manage the digital asset via Ripple Custody. This initiative aligns with the South Korean Financial Services Commission's (FSC) strategy to increase institutional involvement in the digital asset market. The integration also facilitates seamless and compliant deployment of XRP across major South Korean exchanges, including Upbit, Coinone, and Korbit, for BDACS clients.
XRP has historically demonstrated strong popularity in South Korea, with consistent high trading volumes on local exchanges, often exceeding those of Bitcoin and Ethereum on platforms like Upbit. This established user base, combined with the new regulated custody solution, is anticipated to further stimulate institutional interest and accessibility. The integration coincides with South Korea's broader efforts to establish regulatory clarity and foster institutional engagement with digital assets. In June 2025, the FSC presented a roadmap to the Presidential Committee on Policy Planning, detailing plans for approving spot crypto Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in the latter half of 2025. President Lee Jae Myung's administration supports this initiative, indicating a policy shift towards a more crypto-friendly environment, including proposed regulations for stablecoins and enhanced investor protections, aiming to position South Korea as a leading global crypto hub. Ripple President Monica Long has expressed optimism about South Korea's readiness for a "wave of institutional crypto adoption." As of August 7, 2025, XRP was trading around $3.05, underscoring its market relevance. The BDACS integration offers a secure, compliant, and accessible avenue for institutional investors to engage with XRP, promoting greater adoption and innovation within South Korea's digital asset ecosystem.