South Korea ends 9-year corporate crypto ban, allowing listed companies to invest up to 5% of equity in cryptocurrencies

According to ChainCatcher, local media reports that the Korean Financial Services Commission (FSC) has finalized guidelines allowing listed companies and professional investors to trade cryptocurrencies, ending a nine-year ban on corporate crypto investments.

Eligible companies can invest up to 5% of their equity annually in cryptocurrencies ranked in the top 20 by market capitalization on Korea's five major exchanges. Approximately 3,500 entities, including listed companies and registered professional investment institutions, will gain market access, potentially unlocking tens of trillions of Korean won in capital.

While the policy shift has been welcomed, industry insiders criticize the 5% cap as overly conservative. The United States, Japan, Hong Kong, and the European Union do not impose such restrictions on corporate crypto holdings. Critics warn that this may hinder the emergence of digital asset treasury companies in Korea similar to Japan's Metaplanet.