South Korean fintech giant Toss is moving closer to entering the blockchain space. Local outlet Blockmedia reported on Monday that the company is considering plans to launch its own blockchain network along with a native digital coin.
Toss is also reviewing a structure that could begin with a Layer-1 mainnet and later add a Layer-2 network to support payments and other financial services. However, it has not made a final decision yet.
Toss weighs layer-1 and layer-2 blockchain options
Toss is looking at more than one technical path, Blockmedia reported on Monday. One option is to build its own Layer-1 blockchain from scratch. Another is to use an existing chain and develop a Layer-2 network on it.
The report said the company is also considering a model where it launches a mainnet first and later expands it with Layer-2 infrastructure to improve scalability and liquidity. For now, the plan is still under review.
A source familiar with the situation told Blockmedia that ” I understand that they are in the process of deciding whether to build Layer 1 directly or proceed with a Layer 2 approach utilizing existing chains, ” adding, “However, as discussions on the Framework Act on Digital Assets are delayed, the decision-making process is also being postponed.”
Building a Layer-1 blockchain is expensive and complex, and needs a lot of money, time, and technical work.
So, a custom Layer-2 option is also being discussed. It could help Toss launch tokenized services faster while still using the security and liquidity of an existing blockchain network.
The reported blockchain push shows that Toss wants to expand its role as a fintech and payments platform.
The report states that the company aims to create a wider digital asset ecosystem. This could include blockchain infrastructure, a stablecoin, and a wallet product.
Toss takes early steps with stablecoin trademarks and partnerships
Toss has already made early moves in that direction. Blockmedia reported that the company filed 24 trademark applications for a won-based stablecoin last June.
One of the applications is for “TOSSKRW.” The report also mentioned that Toss has considered possible partnerships with major financial firms like KB Financial Group and Samsung Card.
Additionally, the company has created a stablecoin task force led by Chief Business Officer Kim Gyu-ha.
Blockchain team and wallet plans take shape
Hiring activity shows increased preparation.
Toss reportedly started a dedicated blockchain unit in February and began recruiting specialists for wallet design, API development, transaction processing, node operations, cryptographic signing systems, balance verification, and financial compliance work.
The company is also working on a Web3 wallet that could be integrated directly into the Toss app. This would let users store digital assets and make payments without needing to download a separate application.
This idea also supports Toss’s broader goal of becoming a “borderless financial super app”. In that model, money could move more easily across borders, products, time zones, and different types of users.
In response, a Toss official said, “We view digital asset-based financial infrastructure as a key future area and are preparing accordingly. “
“We are recruiting talent with relevant capabilities and broadly reviewing possibilities for collaboration with various partners, while prioritizing efforts to secure the necessary technology,” the spokesperson stated.
Experts quoted by Blockmedia said this is one of the main benefits of building its own network instead of relying on public blockchains.
Professor Hwang Seok-jin of Dongguk University said using outside blockchains can expose a company to gas fees and policy changes.
Therefore, building its own infrastructure, he said, a firm can have more control over service design, fees, and user permissions. That can also support better business growth and revenue planning, Professor Hwang added.
South Korean crypto regulations delay Toss blockchain timeline
Toss’s blockchain timeline now seems closely linked to regulation in South Korea.
So far, progress has slowed because the Digital Asset Basic Act has been delayed. This law is expected to set rules for token issuance, stablecoins, and crypto investment products.
Without clear rules, companies still face uncertainty. In particular, it is harder for them to issue native tokens or run blockchain systems linked to financial services.
That’s why many firms are taking a wait-and-see approach, even though interest in Web3 continues to grow in South Korea.
South Korea’s Financial Services Commission said about 90 trillion won, or $60 billion, left local crypto exchanges for overseas platforms and private wallets in the second half of last year. That was 14 percent higher than in the first half.
Meanwhile, the country’s tax agency is building an artificial intelligence-based tracking system ahead of a planned crypto gains tax in January 2027.