Blockchain Remittances Breakthrough: Hana Financial and Dunamu Complete Revolutionary PoC

In a landmark development for global finance, Hana Financial Group and Dunamu have successfully completed a proof-of-concept for blockchain-based foreign remittances, potentially revolutionizing how money moves across borders. This breakthrough, reported by Electronic Times Internet in Seoul, South Korea on March 15, 2025, demonstrates the first successful replacement of traditional SWIFT messaging with blockchain technology between a major bank’s domestic and international branches. The test represents a significant step toward faster, cheaper, and more transparent international money transfers.

Blockchain Remittances PoC: Technical Implementation Details

The proof-of-concept specifically tested transfers between Hana Bank’s domestic and overseas branches using Dunamu’s proprietary “GIWA Chain” blockchain network. Importantly, this implementation successfully replaced traditional SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) messages that have dominated international banking since 1973. The technical architecture demonstrates several key advantages:

• Real-time settlement: Blockchain enables near-instantaneous transaction confirmation
• Reduced costs: Elimination of multiple intermediary banks cuts transfer fees significantly
• Enhanced transparency: All participants can track transaction status in real-time
• Improved security: Cryptographic verification reduces fraud and error risks

According to banking technology analysts, this PoC represents one of the most comprehensive blockchain implementations by a traditional financial institution in South Korea. The system maintained full regulatory compliance while demonstrating technical feasibility for high-volume transactions.

Traditional SWIFT vs. Blockchain Remittance Systems

The successful PoC highlights fundamental differences between legacy systems and emerging blockchain alternatives. Traditional SWIFT transfers typically involve multiple correspondent banks, each adding processing time and fees. Conversely, blockchain systems enable direct peer-to-peer transfers with automated verification. A comparison reveals stark contrasts:

Financial technology experts note that while SWIFT handles approximately $5 trillion daily, blockchain systems offer compelling efficiency improvements. However, widespread adoption requires addressing scalability, regulatory harmonization, and interoperability challenges.

Deposit Token Infrastructure Development Timeline

Beyond the immediate PoC success, Hana Financial has announced plans to build a comprehensive foreign remittance infrastructure using deposit tokens by the third quarter of 2025. Deposit tokens represent digital claims on deposits held at regulated financial institutions, combining blockchain efficiency with traditional banking security. The development timeline includes:

• Q2 2025: Regulatory framework finalization and partner integration
• Q3 2025: Initial deposit token infrastructure deployment
• Q4 2025: Pilot program with select corporate clients
• 2026: Full commercial rollout pending regulatory approval

This infrastructure development aligns with global central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiatives and reflects growing institutional adoption of blockchain technology. Industry analysts project that deposit token systems could reduce cross-border settlement costs by 40-80% while improving transaction speed by 90%.

Global Context and Competitive Landscape

The Hana-Dunamu collaboration occurs within a rapidly evolving global remittance market valued at $860 billion in 2024 according to World Bank data. Traditional players face increasing competition from fintech startups and technology giants exploring blockchain solutions. Several parallel developments highlight this trend:

• JPMorgan’s JPM Coin processes over $1 billion daily
• Ripple’s blockchain network serves 300+ financial institutions globally
• SWIFT’s own blockchain experiments continue alongside traditional services
• Asian markets lead in adoption with China’s digital yuan and Singapore’s Project Ubin

South Korea’s position as a technology leader provides strategic advantages for blockchain finance adoption. The country’s high smartphone penetration, tech-savvy population, and progressive regulatory approach create favorable conditions for financial innovation. Additionally, South Korean workers abroad sent approximately $7.2 billion in remittances in 2024, representing a substantial domestic market for improved transfer solutions.

Regulatory Framework and Compliance Considerations

Financial authorities globally are developing frameworks for blockchain-based remittance systems. South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) has implemented specific guidelines for blockchain financial services since 2023. Key regulatory considerations include:

• Anti-money laundering (AML) compliance across jurisdictions
• Know-your-customer (KYC) requirements for all participants
• Data privacy regulations including GDPR compatibility
• Capital control and foreign exchange regulations
• Consumer protection and dispute resolution mechanisms

The Hana-Dunamu PoC reportedly incorporated these requirements through smart contract functionality and identity verification protocols. Successful navigation of regulatory complexity represents a significant achievement that could accelerate broader industry adoption.

Economic Impact and Market Transformation

Blockchain-based remittance systems promise substantial economic benefits globally. The World Bank estimates that reducing remittance costs by 5 percentage points could save migrants approximately $16 billion annually. Additional economic impacts include:

• Increased financial inclusion for unbanked populations
• Improved capital flow efficiency for developing economies
• Enhanced economic stability through predictable transfer costs
• Job creation in fintech and blockchain development sectors

For South Korea specifically, efficient remittance systems support economic ties with diaspora communities and facilitate international business operations. The technology could also strengthen the won’s international usage and support broader digital economy initiatives.

Conclusion

The successful blockchain remittances proof-of-concept by Hana Financial and Dunamu represents a pivotal moment in financial technology evolution. This demonstration of SWIFT message replacement with GIWA Chain blockchain technology validates the technical feasibility of next-generation international transfers. Furthermore, the planned deposit token infrastructure development signals serious institutional commitment to blockchain adoption. As financial institutions globally explore similar innovations, this South Korean collaboration provides a concrete model for balancing technological advancement with regulatory compliance. The blockchain remittances landscape continues evolving rapidly, with this PoC marking significant progress toward faster, cheaper, and more transparent global money movement.

FAQs

Q1: What exactly did Hana Financial and Dunamu accomplish with their blockchain remittance PoC?
The companies successfully tested a system that replaces traditional SWIFT bank transfer messages with blockchain-based messages on Dunamu’s GIWA Chain network between Hana Bank’s domestic and international branches.

Q2: How do blockchain remittances differ from traditional bank transfers?
Blockchain transfers typically settle faster (minutes versus days), cost less by eliminating multiple intermediaries, provide greater transparency through real-time tracking, and offer enhanced security through cryptographic verification.

Q3: What are deposit tokens and how do they relate to this development?
Deposit tokens are digital representations of bank deposits on blockchain networks. Hana Financial plans to build a remittance infrastructure using these tokens by Q3 2025, creating a regulated, efficient system for international transfers.

Q4: When will consumers be able to use this blockchain remittance service?
While the PoC is complete, full commercial availability depends on regulatory approvals and infrastructure development. Hana Financial targets initial pilot programs in late 2025 with broader availability potentially in 2026.

Q5: Is this technology secure compared to traditional banking systems?
Blockchain systems employ advanced cryptography and distributed verification that can enhance security against certain types of fraud. However, like all financial systems, they require robust cybersecurity measures and regulatory oversight to ensure comprehensive protection.