South Korea Allows Limited Crypto Asset Sales by Exchanges – Coincu

South Korea will allow certain non-profit organizations and registered cryptocurrency exchanges to sell crypto assets starting in June 2025, according to ChainCatcher. This policy change reflects a gradual shift in South Korea’s stance on institutional crypto investment, potentially increasing market liquidity.

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) announced a regulatory shift allowing controlled crypto asset sales by registered exchanges and specific nonprofits starting June 2025. This change represents a significant easing of previous restrictions.

South Korea Allows Limited Crypto Asset Sales by Exchanges

Starting June, institutional clients must undergo thorough KYC/AML reviews by partner banks and exchanges. South Korea is enhancing its financial scrutiny, aiming for higher market transparency and secure asset entry.

Market reactions indicate cautious optimism for the changes. While governing bodies have yet to comment, compliance teams have begun discussions on framework adjustments for institutional clients.

According to the Financial Services Commission, “The guidance emphasizes thorough reviews of the source of funds and transaction purposes for new institutional clients, aiming for higher market transparency and secure asset entry.”

Current Market and Historical Parallels to Japan

Did you know? South Korea’s phased reentry mirrors Japan’s 2022 approach, where easing restrictions led to increased volumes and bullish sentiment for assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $107,574.94 as of May 21, 2025. It holds a market cap of approximately $2.14 trillion, with a circulating supply of 19,867,643. BTC’s value has risen 1.19% in the last 24 hours and 3.61% over the past week.

Coincu’s research team anticipates that enhanced regulatory clarity may bolster institutional interest, potentially boosting on-exchange volumes. The platform suggests that increased compliance measures could pave the way for a more stable and robust crypto market framework.