South Korea’s FSC to Allow Listed Companies to Invest Up to 5% in Crypto: Report

South Korea’s FSC allegedly issued guidelines permitting listed companies to invest up to 5% of their equity in the top 20 cryptocurrencies, thereby lifting the 2017 ban.

​South Korea’s financial watchdog is said to be revising its guidelines to allow corporations to invest in digital assets after an almost decade-long prohibition.

According to a report published in the Seoul Economic Daily on Sunday, listed companies will be able to invest up to 5% of their equity capital in crypto assets. As quoted in the report, a senior FSC official close to the issue stated: 

South Korea moves to reopen corporate crypto investing under strict limits

The new development showcases a nine-year ban on the investment of cryptocurrencies by corporations, effective since 2017, when financial regulators restricted institutional investors amid allegations of money laundering. The investments, however, will be restricted to the top 20 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization and will be carried out on Korea’s five largest exchanges. The inclusion of dollar-pegged stablecoins such as Tether’s USDT is still an issue of discussion, according to the report.

FSC issued latest guidance on crypto to crypto working group on Jan. 6 The FSC released the latest guidelines related to crypto to its working group on January 6, and it first announced a stepwise process for reducing obstacles for corporate investments in crypto in February 2025.

Positive effect on Korean markets – Potential

It would inject tens of trillions of won into the crypto market. South Korean internet giant Naver, with equity capital of 27 trillion won ($18.4 billion), could theoretically purchase 10,000 BTC, as per the news. ​​ It also stated that the proposed national stablecoin and spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds are also expected to be pushed forward as soon as their corporate investment capabilities are secured. Calls for support for crypto ETFs have been rising in the country, but approval has been held up by regulatory authorities.

The move could also result in an expansion of local crypto companies, blockchain startups, and digital asset treasuries while boosting domestic investment in digital assets.​ Large South Korean companies have been forced to invest overseas to avoid local restrictions, it added.

South Korea’s corporate crypto push could widen market access by 2026

This changes everything for businesses, large or small; it opens doors long closed. Imagine Naver, or other companies, investing excess funds not in Bitcoin or Ethereum, but directly from home exchanges. This all serves one basic purpose: it allows more people, or institutions, access to cryptocurrency.

It was reported on Friday that an “ambitious digital currency plan has been revealed by the South Korean government, with its major objective being the implementation of 25% of the country’s treasury in a central bank digital currency by 2030.”

The initiative, which is part of the 2026 Economic Growth Strategy, also involves introducing a licensing system for stablecoin issuers, such as Tether, requiring 100% reserve asset backing and legally guaranteeing users’ redemption rights.

Approximately 3,500 mainlisted companies and pro-investors will benefit from it and are set to inundate markets with new funding by late 2026. This recommendation makes sense, which makes only the top 20 cryptocurrencies, large exchanges, and 5% limits. The fate of stablecoins is a question in discussions, but it is necessary for exchanges to impose a limit on orders.

Conclusion

This is a game-changer for Korean companies. No more side trips abroad for treasury transactions. They will strengthen local power. Startups may skyrocket as the giants support blockchain projects in their homeland.

Internationally, everyone looks to Seoul. This could lead to ETF regulations, stablecoin regulation, or maybe CBDC pilot projects managing massive treasury outflows. It’s practical progress. Making business while protecting against traditional risks like lmoney aundering concerns.

It is important for players in the sector to be watching for these guidelines that will be issued in either January or February. The early birds get a chance in a market that is so eager for institutional funding. It seems that the South Korean crypto market is set for a thrilling 2026.

Glossary

FSC (Financial Services Commission): South Korea’s main financial regulator overseeing banks, investments, and now corporate crypto rules.

CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency): South Korea’s planned national digital currency for handling government funds by 2030.

ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds): Investment funds traded on stock exchanges like regular shares. 

FAQs

When will South Korea release the final guidelines for corporate crypto investments?
The FSC plans to issue them in January or February 2026

What is the investment limit for listed companies?
Companies can put up to 5% of their equity capital into the top 20 cryptocurrencies by market size.

Which exchanges can companies use for these investments?
Only South Korea’s five largest regulated exchanges are allowed; no overseas platforms are allowed.

Will stablecoins like USDT be included?
It’s still under discussion; no final decision yet.

What happens to the 2017 corporate crypto ban?
It ends after nine years, letting listed firms and professional investors buy crypto for investment purposes.

How might this affect the market?
It could pour trillions of won into crypto, speed up Bitcoin ETFs and national stablecoins, and grow local blockchain firms.

References

Crypto News
Beincrypto

Read More: South Korea’s FSC to Allow Listed Companies to Invest Up to 5% in Crypto: Report">South Korea’s FSC to Allow Listed Companies to Invest Up to 5% in Crypto: Report