South Korea to Allow Listed Firms to Invest Up to 5% in Top 20 Cryptos
South Korea’s Financial Services Commission has reportedly issued new guidelines ending the 2017 prohibition on corporate crypto investments, allowing publicly listed companies to hold up to 5% of their equity in the top 20 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. The move marks a clear policy shift toward regulated institutional participation and removes a long-standing barrier for corporate treasuries and strategic crypto allocations.
The 5% cap is designed to limit balance-sheet risk while potentially channeling meaningful demand into major tokens, which could lift liquidity and valuations across top markets. Implementation details—disclosure rules, custody requirements, accounting treatment and tax guidance—will determine how quickly firms act. For investors and market participants, the decision strengthens the credibility of crypto as a corporate asset class and may prompt other jurisdictions to revisit similar bans or restrictions.