South Korea Signals Spot Bitcoin ETF Nod; Roswell Launches BTC Fund

South Korea’s Ruling Party Pushes Crypto Reforms

South Korea’s crypto landscape may see major changes. The People Power Party (PPP) announced reform plans. These plans aim to strengthen the virtual asset ecosystem. Leaders introduced seven key initiatives on Monday.

A central goal is authorizing spot Bitcoin ETFs. The party targets approval before the year ends. This move comes as South Korea prepares for elections. Lawmakers worry about falling behind global crypto trends. They cited the success of US spot Bitcoin ETFs. Rep. Park Soo-min urged swift action for competitiveness.

Specific Reforms Proposed by PPP

Currently, South Korea bans spot crypto ETFs. This limits investment options for Koreans. The PPP proposal aims to change this. The party also wants to abolish banking restrictions. The “one exchange, one bank” rule may end. This rule required exchanges to use one bank. Removing it could boost competition and access.

Stablecoin regulation is another key focus. The PPP plans a “global standard” framework. This aligns domestic rules with international practices. It ensures stablecoins meet security and transparency norms. A new Virtual Asset Special Committee is proposed. This committee, under the president, would oversee policy. New legislation like the Framework Act on Promoting Digital Assets is planned. This act covers exchange operations and listing rules. It aims for greater transparency and investor protection. Rules for Security Token Offerings (STOs) are also included.

Roswell, NM Creates Bitcoin Emergency Fund

A US city is embracing Bitcoin differently. Roswell, New Mexico accepted its first Bitcoin donation. This seeds the city’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Emergency Fund. The initial donation was 3,050,323 satoshis ($2,906). Acting Mayor Juliana Halvorson accepted the funds.

The city plans to grow the reserve over 10 years. Contributions and sponsorships will fund it. The reserve aims to help senior citizens. It will assist with water bills. It also supports future disaster aid efforts. The policy allows limited withdrawals every five years. This requires the fund to reach $1 million first. City council approval is also needed. The public donation address allows further contributions.

Contrast with Central Bank Views

Roswell’s move contrasts with major central banks. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) recently reiterated its crypto ban. SNB President Martin Schlegel cited volatility risks. He stated cryptos lack long-term stability for reserves. He noted liquidity issues during market crises.

The European Central Bank (ECB) echoes these concerns. President Christine Lagarde has questioned Bitcoin’s utility. She cited links to illicit activities and instability. Central banks in Poland and Romania also ruled out BTC reserves. The US Federal Reserve doesn’t hold Bitcoin directly. However, reports suggest growing US strategic interest in Bitcoin.

Bitcoin Realized Cap Hits New High

Bitcoin achieved a key on-chain milestone recently. Its Realized Capitalization reached a record $882.228 billion. This happened on April 29th, 2025. Realized Cap differs from market cap.

It values each Bitcoin at its last transaction price. This metric reflects the actual capital invested. It excludes lost or inactive coins. Analysts view rising Realized Cap bullishly. It suggests growing investor confidence and accumulation. Historically, peaks in this metric often precede price surges.