How Major Crypto Platforms Are Tightening Affiliate Compliance Rules Across Asia

A leading cryptocurrency exchange has recently taken significant steps to strengthen its affiliate marketing oversight, particularly targeting activities in Korea. This move reflects broader industry trends as exchanges face mounting pressure to align with local regulatory frameworks across different jurisdictions.

The Compliance Crackdown: What Sparked This Action?

The decision comes against a backdrop of increased regulatory scrutiny in the region. Authorities in Korea and other markets have issued public advisories warning about unlicensed virtual asset operators and unauthorized marketing practices targeting local users. The main concern centers on affiliate arrangements and commission-based promotional activities that circumvent local regulatory requirements.

The exchange in question is taking a more proactive stance by implementing stricter oversight mechanisms specifically designed to prevent its affiliate network from engaging in non-compliant marketing practices. This represents a shift toward more robust internal controls rather than waiting for regulatory intervention.

Preventive Measures: A Tougher Affiliate Policy

Going forward, the platform will enforce enhanced screening and monitoring of all affiliate relationships, particularly those focused on the Korean market. The enforcement arsenal includes several teeth-bearing options: the exchange can now suspend or terminate affiliate partnerships, restrict or completely eliminate commission payments, or impose other sanctions as deemed necessary.

These preventive controls represent a departure from traditional hands-off affiliate models. Instead of allowing partners to operate with minimal oversight, the exchange is now actively monitoring marketing channels—including social media, messaging apps, websites, and other promotional platforms—to identify and curtail compliance violations before they escalate.

Blanket Application: No Exceptions for Partners

Critically, these compliance measures apply uniformly across all affiliate partners and promotional collaborators, regardless of region. Any entity engaged in marketing activities targeting specific user bases must now adhere to the stricter compliance framework. The exchange has made clear that all partners should review updated affiliate program terms and conditions to understand their obligations.

This comprehensive approach signals a strategic shift: rather than treating regulatory compliance as a cost center, leading exchanges are positioning it as a competitive advantage. By demonstrating robust internal controls, they’re building credibility with regulators while creating higher barriers to entry for less scrupulous competitors in the affiliate news space.

For affiliate marketers and promotional partners: the window for gray-area activities is rapidly closing. Those operating in regulated markets like Korea should expect increased scrutiny and documentation requirements moving forward.