The Korean government has removed cryptocurrency trading and brokerage services from the list of restricted industries for venture certification, paving the way for digital asset firms to be formally recognized as innovative businesses. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on September 9, 2025, that the Cabinet had approved a revision to the Special Act on the Promotion of Venture Businesses. The amendment will take effect on September 16.
Crypto trading and brokerage were originally designated as restricted industries in October 2018, following widespread speculation and social concerns. At the time, the focus was placed on risks rather than innovation, preventing companies in this field from obtaining venture status.
Recently, however, the global landscape has shifted. The digital asset industry is increasingly acknowledged as a core innovation sector, encompassing blockchain technology, stablecoins, and digital asset ecosystems. In the United States, approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs and legislative progress on stablecoin regulation exemplify this trend. In Korea as well, regulatory frameworks such as the reporting system under the Specific Financial Information Act and the enforcement of the Virtual Asset User Protection Act have enhanced transparency and investor safeguards.
With this regulatory shift, crypto businesses that demonstrate technological capacity and growth potential will now be able to access a wide range of venture benefits. For instance, startups recognized as venture firms within three years of establishment can receive up to 50% reductions in corporate and income taxes for five years, as well as local tax exemptions on real estate acquired within a set period. They may also enjoy eased requirements for IPO reviews and expanded guarantee limits.
Still, the door is not fully open to all. Venture certification requires rigorous assessments of technology, business viability, and transparency, and companies already designated as part of large corporate groups will remain excluded. Moreover, despite regulatory progress, market risks such as volatility, investor protection issues, and cross-border regulatory frictions remain significant.
Ultimately, this move marks an inflection point in Korea’s approach to digital assets—signaling a shift from a speculative stigma toward fostering an ecosystem of competitive, innovation-driven businesses. The success of this policy will hinge on follow-up measures by regulators, the industry’s adaptive capacity, and the overall environment for attracting investment.
