South Korea Moves Closer to Approving Spot Crypto ETFs as FSC Proposes Roadmap

Key Takeaways

• South Korea’s financial watchdog is aiming to launch crypto ETFs by late 2025.
• The FSC has submitted an official roadmap to the Presidential Policy Planning Committee.
• A broader package of pro-crypto laws is expected in the coming months under President Lee.

South Korea may soon join the global race to launch spot crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

With a new administration backing digital assets, the country’s top financial regulator—the Financial Services Commission (FSC)—has submitted a roadmap for approving crypto ETFs to the Presidential Committee on Policy Planning.

It’s a strong signal that the long-delayed push for regulated crypto investment products is finally gaining traction.

FSC Eyes Late 2025 for Crypto ETF Launch

According to local media reports , the FSC’s roadmap lays out a strategy to launch spot ETFs backed by digital assets, with a target rollout in the second half of 2025.

The document outlines investor protections, risk mitigation strategies, and the infrastructure needed to manage crypto investment vehicles, from issuance to custody and evaluation.

“We plan to establish the basis for introduction and build related infrastructure such as establishment, consignment, operation, and evaluation, as well as investor protection devices,” the FSC said in a statement.

While the agency later clarified that the filing details aren’t final, the move marks a clear policy shift under President Lee Jae-myung, who campaigned on a promise to bring Bitcoin ETFs and broader crypto innovation to the country.

From Restriction to Regulation

Despite being one of the world’s most active crypto trading markets, South Korea has historically taken a strict approach to regulation, banning most investment products tied to crypto for everyday investors.

President Lee’s administration is now changing that tone. The ETF roadmap is part of a larger pro-crypto pivot that also includes proposed regulations for stablecoins, exchange disclosures, and investor protections.

The FSC is reportedly advancing the second stage of its digital asset regulatory framework. That includes rules for listing, transparent fee structures, and harsher penalties for market manipulation.

Following the Global Shift

South Korea’s renewed focus comes as countries like the U.S., under President Trump, and regions like the EU move quickly to introduce crypto ETFs and stablecoin laws. The pressure to stay competitive is rising.

If South Korea sticks to the roadmap, spot Bitcoin ETFs could hit the domestic market by late next year, opening the door for a new wave of institutional and retail crypto investment.

For now, the country’s regulators are walking a fine line—balancing innovation with oversight—but the momentum is clearly building.