South Korea expands crypto access for companies

• South Korea is preparing to let about 3,500 companies access cryptocurrency markets.
• The Financial Services Commission plans to phase in corporate crypto trading from the second half of 2026.
• The first phase will cover listed companies and professional investors, with broader access planned later.

South Korea plans to let about 3,500 companies trade cryptocurrency through registered exchanges from late 2026.

The Financial Services Commission plans to introduce corporate trading in phases, starting with listed companies and professional investors.

The regulator said the plan would improve access while keeping stronger checks around corporate crypto trading.

The first phase is expected to cover about 1,500 listed companies and professional investors, according to the report.

About 2,000 other companies could gain access later after regulators review the first phase and related market risks.

Companies will face rules covering trading limits, reporting and controls designed to reduce market abuse and other risks.

The move marks a shift from South Korea’s earlier restrictions on corporate crypto trading, with regulators now working towards a controlled market opening.