South Korea is set to allow corporate entities to invest in cryptocurrencies, marking a major policy shift. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) plans to open the market in phases, starting with nonprofit organizations in early 2025 and expanding to listed corporations and professional investors later that year.
This is the first such change in eight years, reflecting growing global demand for regulated crypto investments. Initially, universities and donation groups will gain access to real-name crypto accounts to liquidate donations. Later, around 3,500 professional investment entities, including listed firms, will be allowed to trade. Financial institutions remain excluded for now to mitigate risks.
The FSC will implement anti-money laundering measures and establish clear guidelines for exchanges to ensure transparency and market stability. Discussions are also underway regarding listing standards, stablecoin regulations, and conduct rules for exchanges.
This move could inject up to 46 trillion won into South Korea’s crypto market by 2030, potentially boosting market maturity and creating new revenue streams for various industries. While cautiously expanding crypto adoption, South Korea aims to balance innovation with investor protection, positioning itself at the forefront of the global cryptocurrency landscape.
The participation of general corporations not classified as professional investors will be evaluated based on the outcomes of the pilot program and further regulatory updates, indicating a measured approach to market expansion.
