Infrastructure and Technical Scalability
Published 7/30/2026, 5:25:33 PM
Samsung SDS and Upbit (operated by Dunamu) have developed a stablecoin infrastructure that is technically and strategically positioned for global scale, though its immediate deployment is currently focused on South Korea. The partnership is anchored by a 612.8 billion won (~$408M) investment by Samsung affiliates into Dunamu in May 2026, specifically targeting stablecoin infrastructure as a primary collaboration area.
Infrastructure and Technical Scalability
The infrastructure is designed to move beyond a "Korea-only" silo by utilizing global blockchain standards and massive cloud capacity.
- Nexledger Universal: Samsung SDS’s core blockchain platform supports multiple protocols, including Hyperledger Fabric and Ethereum. It features a "Nexledger Accelerator" capable of 10x transaction speed improvements and is already available on global marketplaces like Microsoft Azure.
- Upbit’s Giwa L2: Dunamu is developing Giwa, an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain (currently in testnet). This aligns the infrastructure with the broader Ethereum ecosystem, facilitating cross-border interoperability.
- Cloud Capacity: Samsung SDS is expanding its AI and cloud infrastructure from 110MW to over 800MW by 2031, providing the computational power necessary for global financial settlement.
Global Distribution: The "Galaxy" Advantage
The primary driver for international scaling is Samsung’s hardware dominance and existing global integrations.
| Feature | Detail | Global Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Device Reach | 1 Billion+ Active Users | Samsung Wallet provides a pre-installed gateway for stablecoins globally. |
| Native Support | USDC Compatibility | Announced at Galaxy Unpacked (July 2026) with native support for USDC and Knox security integration. |
| Partnerships | Coinbase & Open USD | Integration with Coinbase for US users and membership in the Open USD Consortium signal intent to support global standards. |
| Interoperability | DELIVER Platform | Proven in cross-border pilots with the Port of Rotterdam Authority and ABN AMRO. |
Regulatory and Market Constraints
While the technical foundation is global, several factors may constrain international expansion:
- Regulatory Fragmentation: To scale beyond Korea, the partnership must navigate diverse legal frameworks, including the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation in the EU and state-by-state licensing in the United States.
- The "Bank Ownership" Debate: A policy debate in South Korea regarding whether stablecoin issuers must be 51% bank-owned could limit the autonomy of tech-centric players like Samsung SDS and Upbit if a restrictive model is adopted.
- Domestic Sandbox: The infrastructure currently utilizes Korea’s Phase 2 Digital Asset Basic Act (DABA) as a regulatory sandbox to battle-test systems before potential export.
Conclusion
Samsung SDS and Upbit’s infrastructure can scale beyond Korea due to its reliance on global standards (Ethereum L2) and Samsung’s massive hardware distribution network. However, its international success is more likely to manifest as a "white-label" infrastructure provider for global banks or a native wallet feature for established global stablecoins like USDC, rather than the global expansion of a Korean-won-denominated token. Specific metrics regarding transaction volumes and latency benchmarks for the Giwa L2 testnet remain undisclosed.