South Korea to Allow Institutional Crypto Trading in First Half of Year

South Korea's Financial Services Commission (SFC) announced on Thursday it will lift the ban preventing institutions from trading cryptocurrencies in the first half of the year. This decision will allow non-profit organizations like charities, universities, school corporations, and law enforcement agencies to sell their virtual assets. The move responds to increased global crypto participation and domestic demand for blockchain businesses. Originally implemented in 2017 to curb speculation and money laundering, the ban's removal follows the enforcement of the Virtual Asset User Protection Act.