Shinhan Financial Group is exploring ways to connect its payment systems and tokenized asset services to the Canton Network, aiming to improve global investors’ access to Korean financial products.
The group discussed the plans with Digital Asset co-founder and CEO Yubal Rooz and Canton Foundation President Viv Dhiwakar at its headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Tuesday.
Digital Asset develops the Canton Network, an institutional blockchain supported by the Canton Foundation. The network links financial systems and assets while preserving transaction privacy and supporting regulatory compliance. Institutions involved include Goldman Sachs, HSBC, BNP Paribas and the US Depository Trust & Clearing Corp.
The meeting builds on a series of Shinhan partnerships and investments. The group signed an agreement with the Canton Foundation in June to participate in network governance. Shinhan Securities and Shinhan Venture Investment then made strategic investments in Digital Asset in July.
This month, Shinhan Asset Management became the first Korean financial company to join the network as a “super validator,” an operator that participates in major governance decisions.
Tuesday’s discussions covered linking the group’s banking payment and settlement infrastructure with tokenized asset distribution and the conversion of real-world assets into blockchain-based tokens. The participants also explored ways to make Korean financial products more accessible to overseas investors.
Shinhan plans to test the technology as Korea develops its regulatory framework for security tokens, while expanding connections with overseas financial institutions and tokenized assets through Canton.
“Tokenization is spreading as a new financial infrastructure in global markets, and cooperation with Digital Asset and the Canton Foundation will provide an important foundation for Shinhan Financial Group to respond proactively to changes in the financial environment,” said Jin Ok-dong, chairman of Shinhan Financial Group.
Jin said the group would expand its links to global digital asset infrastructure in line with regulatory developments, prioritizing safe and convenient services for customers.
jyoungseon8@heraldcorp.com
