South Korea Lifts Corporate Crypto Investment Ban, Allowing Up to 5% Equity Allocation
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 12 2026- Investment Restrictions Eased: South Korea's Financial Services Commission (FSC) plans to allow listed firms and professional investors to allocate up to 5% of their equity to the top 20 cryptocurrencies, with corporate trading expected to commence by the end of 2026, thereby paving the way for corporate entry into the digital asset market.
- New Guidelines Development: The FSC is crafting new guidelines expected to be finalized by February, which will provide a clear investment framework for corporations, although concerns over the investment cap may hinder fund inflows and limit the emergence of specialized crypto investment firms.
- Market Environment Shift: Since banning corporate crypto investments in 2017, South Korean regulators have gradually softened their stance, reflecting an increased acceptance of digital assets, particularly under the new administration's push to reintegrate crypto into the financial system.
- Stablecoin Discussions: Ongoing discussions are considering whether stablecoins like USDT will be included as permissible investment assets, although this decision remains uncertain, potentially impacting future market dynamics and investor confidence.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
