South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) is advancing plans to permit institutional cryptocurrency investments by issuing real-name corporate trading accounts. This initiative, part of the FSC’s 2025 agenda focusing on financial stability and innovation, aims to integrate corporate entities into the digital asset market.
Although no legal barriers exist against issuing real-name accounts to corporations, regulatory guidance has previously discouraged banks from doing so. The FSC intends to collaborate with the Virtual Asset Committee, which convened its inaugural meeting in November 2024, to deliberate on a phased approach for corporate crypto investments. Specific timelines for implementation remain undetermined.
In December 2024, the FSC refuted claims of an imminent roadmap for corporate crypto accounts, indicating that detailed measures were still under consideration. FSC Secretary-General Kwon Dae-young emphasized the necessity for South Korea’s crypto regulations to align with international standards, highlighting the importance of establishing listing criteria, managing stablecoins, and formulating conduct guidelines for virtual asset exchanges.
This regulatory development coincides with South Korea’s current leadership crisis, following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief declaration of martial law in December 2024. As the nation navigates political uncertainties, the FSC’s efforts to integrate institutional investors into the crypto market reflect a commitment to financial innovation and stability.
