South Korea ends 9-year ban on corporate cryptocurrencies, allowing listed companies to invest up to 5% of their equity in cryptocurrency purchases.

 according to local media, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of South Korea has finalized guidelines allowing listed companies and professional investors to trade cryptocurrencies, ending a 9-year ban on corporate crypto investments.

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

Although the policy shift is welcomed, the industry criticizes the 5% cap as too conservative. The US, Japan, Hong Kong, and the EU do not impose such restrictions on corporate crypto holdings. Critics warn this may hinder the emergence of digital asset treasury companies in South Korea similar to Japan's Metaplanet.

The FSC plans to release the final guidelines in January-February, with corporate trading expected to begin before the end of the year.