South Korea Begins Easing Institutional Crypto Trading Ban With First Non-Retail Sale

South Korea has taken a key step in relaxing its long-standing restrictions on institutional cryptocurrency trading. Over the weekend, humanitarian group World Vision Korea became the first non-retail investor to sell crypto under the country’s revised policy framework.

The organization sold 0.55 ETH, valued at approximately $1,396.50, on local exchange Upbit, according to a statement from Dunamu, Upbit’s parent company. The sale marks the beginning of a broader regulatory shift aimed at bringing institutional players into the digital asset market.

Phased Entry for Institutions

The transaction follows a May announcement by South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC), which confirmed that non-profit organizations and licensed exchanges would be permitted to sell crypto holdings beginning June 1. The policy update allows nonprofits to liquidate donated digital assets, while exchanges may convert user-paid fees collected in crypto.

The FSC plans to expand access later this year, potentially allowing public companies and registered institutional investors to enter the market. These entities could be cleared to trade crypto in the second half of 2025, pending further regulatory announcements.

Political Backing Ahead of Election

The move comes amid rising interest in crypto policy in South Korea, especially as the country heads into its presidential election this Tuesday. All three leading candidates have expressed strong support for growing the digital asset sector. Their platforms include promises to approve the nation’s first spot crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and further open the market to regulated institutional activity.

As South Korea begins to shift its posture on crypto, the World Vision Korea transaction may signal a new phase of regulated, institutional participation in one of Asia’s most active digital asset markets.