South Korea is moving toward gradually lifting its ban on corporate investment in digital assets, marking a significant step forward in institutional integration into the crypto market.
A New Horizon for South Korean Institutions
According to Yonhap News, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) announced plans on January 8 to ease restrictions on cryptocurrency investment for corporations.
Currently, the country's rules make it difficult for companies to issue real-name accounts, an essential requirement for participating in the virtual asset market.
As a result, the crypto market in Korea has remained largely limited to retail investors.
The new plan initially envisions allowing nonprofits to obtain real-name accounts, gradually expanding that opening to for-profit corporations.
This movement is part of a broader effort that began in 2024, with the implementation of the Virtual Asset User Protection Act, which aims to offer greater security to investors and stability to the market.
Focus on Regulation and Sustainable Growth
The FSC is also pushing forward a second phase of regulations focused on stablecoins, listing criteria and codes of conduct for exchanges.
These measures aim to align Korea with global regulatory standards while strengthening transparency and security in the domestic market.
In support of this movement, it was reported that more than 30% of the South Korean population is investing in crypto assets, with an increase of 610 thousand investors between October and November 2024.
Additionally, the government has postponed the implementation of a 20% tax on profits from digital assets, demonstrating a friendly approach to the sector.
Conclusion
With regulatory reforms and gradual expansion of corporate investment, South Korea is positioning itself as one of the global leaders in the cryptocurrency market.
This transition reflects the country’s commitment to balancing financial innovation and investor protection, offering a notable example for other emerging markets.