South Korea Unlocks Corporate Access to Cryptocurrencies

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) in South Korea has taken a significant step towards increasing corporate access to cryptocurrencies. Under a roadmap released in February 2025, about 2,500 listed companies and approximately 1,000 registered professional investors will be able to open real-name bank accounts linked to crypto exchanges. This move is expected to bring around 3,500 companies into the cryptocurrency market.

The restriction on corporate access to cryptocurrencies has been in place since 2017, with banks refusing to provide required real-name accounts. However, the FSC has now opened limited account access to eligible institutions, allowing them to sell virtual assets received through donations, criminal seizures, or exchange fees. The pilot program aims to assess investment risk and demand for blockchain businesses and digital-asset investments.

Citizenship in South Korea's crypto market is shifting from retail trading towards financial institutions focusing on custody, tokenization, stablecoins, settlement systems, and regulatory compliance. BitGo Korea secured VASP registration in August 2026, enabling the company to develop crypto custody and transfer services for institutions.