
In a move to explore blockchain-enabled payments, Shinhan Card has collaborated with the Solana Foundation to test stablecoin transactions using Solana’s testnet. The initiative involves simulating real-world scenarios where customers and merchants process payments, aiming to evaluate the system’s performance and practicality for daily use.
Kim Young-il, executive vice president of Shinhan Card, emphasized the company’s commitment to examining blockchain’s real-world applications and pioneering next-generation financial solutions. The trial focuses on non-custodial wallet security, a critical component for scaling blockchain-based payments securely.
Beyond payment testing, Shinhan Card is developing DeFi services that integrate traditional finance with decentralized protocols. By leveraging oracle technology, the company plans to connect real-world transaction data to blockchain systems, enabling smart contract execution while ensuring stability through robust governance and monitoring.
The pilot’s outcomes will be assessed in light of evolving regulations in South Korea and the Asia-Pacific region, particularly the anticipated Digital Asset Basic Act. This regulatory development has spurred increased activity among financial institutions, with KBank also partnering with Ripple for cross-border remittances.
Government-led blockchain projects are progressing as well, including a sandbox initiative using tokenized deposits for public spending, set to launch in Sejong City by late 2026. Nine banks, including Shinhan, are involved in issuing and managing these deposits, which aim to reduce fund misuse and shorten settlement times while keeping deposits within the traditional banking system.


