CryptoBriefing describes KB Kookmin Card and SBI Holdings as pursuing separate, unlinked initiatives, while crypto.news reports the two companies signed a four-party MOU together with Everspin and SBI Everspin.
What all sources agree on
- Both outlets report that KB Kookmin Card and SBI Holdings are exploring AI-based identity verification and stablecoin/crypto payments aimed at Japanese tourists visiting South Korea.
- Both outlets report SBI DigiTrust's project with South Korea's NICE Information & Telecommunication and blockchain infrastructure firm DSRV, testing QR-code stablecoin payments.
- Both outlets report the NICE-linked network covers approximately 1.2 million merchants.
- Both outlets report the SBI DigiTrust/NICE/DSRV testing is expected to run into late 2026, with no commercial launch date yet announced.
Where the reports disagree
1Whether a formal joint announcement or agreement exists between KB Kookmin Card and SBI Holdings
Neither company has published a formal announcement detailing how the arrangement would work.
South Korea’s KB Kookmin Card has signed a four-party agreement with Japan’s SBI Holdings and two security companies to test AI agent identity verification and explore stablecoin payments between the two countries.
What would settle it: KB Kookmin Card's or SBI Holdings' official press release, or the text of the signed MOU if made public.
2Whether the two companies' efforts are separate initiatives or part of one joint four-party MOU with Everspin and SBI Everspin
KB Kookmin Card and SBI Holdings separately explore AI identity checks and crypto payments
KB Kookmin Card said on October 13 that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) involves SBI Holdings, South Korean cybersecurity company Everspin and their joint venture, SBI Everspin.
What would settle it: The published MOU document or a joint statement naming all signatories, if released by any of the four named companies.
What to make of it
Treat the shared facts — AI identity verification and stablecoin payment testing for Japanese tourists, and SBI DigiTrust's separate QR-code project with NICE and DSRV — as established; do not treat the existence or scope of a KB Kookmin-SBI Holdings joint MOU as settled until one of the companies publishes the agreement or a joint statement.
Treat the shared facts — AI identity verification and stablecoin payment testing for Japanese tourists, and SBI DigiTrust's separate QR-code project with NICE and DSRV — as established; do not treat the existence or scope of a KB Kookmin-SBI Holdings joint MOU as settled until one of the companies publishes the agreement or a joint statement.