Crypto Market Update: South Korea Lifts 9-Year Ban on Corporate Crypto Investing

JJ Bounty

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Monday (January 12) as of 9:00 a.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrencymarket news


Bitcoin and Ether price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$90,643.88, down by 0.2 percent over 24 hours.

Bitcoin price performance, January 12, 2025.

Chart via TradingView

Bitcoin price performance, January 12, 2025.

Ether (ETH) was priced at US$3,111.86, up by 0.3 percent over the last 24 hours.

Altcoin price update

  • XRP (XRP) was priced at US$2.05, down by 2.5 percent over 24 hours.
  • Solana (SOL) was trading at US$139.67, up by 2.1 percent over 24 hours.

​Today’s crypto news to know

South Korea lifts 9-year ban on corporate crypto

South Korea has lifted a nine-year ban on corporate crypto investing, allowing public companies and professional investors to allocate up to 5% of their equity capital to digital assets.

The country’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) said eligible assets will be limited to the top 20 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization traded on the country’s five licensed exchanges.

The shift reverses years of policy that kept institutional money out of the market and left crypto trading dominated by retail investors.

Regulators estimate that restrictive rules contributed to roughly US$110 billion in crypto capital outflows in 2025. Meanwhile, legislators framed the move as part of the government’s 2026 economic growth strategy aimed at modernizing capital markets and retaining domestic investment.

While stablecoins are not yet included, authorities said discussions on their treatment are ongoing.

Coinbase warns it may pull support from US Senate Crypto Bill

Coinbase is threatening to withdraw its backing for a major US Senate crypto bill if lawmakers impose limits on stablecoin rewards beyond enhanced disclosure requirements.

According to Bloomberg, the dispute centers on proposed language that would restrict platforms from offering yield on stablecoins unless they operate as regulated banking institutions.

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As speculation mounts around future rate cuts by the Federal Reserve to stimulate the cooling U.S. economy, investors are keeping a close eye on the promising corporate earnings projections for the second quarter and beyond. Despite concerns of overheating, the bullish sentiment continues to prevail on Wall Street.

Hims & Hers Health, Inc.: Riding the Wave of Success

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. has carved a niche for itself as a leading online health company, rapidly expanding its offerings beyond male-focused treatments to a comprehensive range of health and wellness solutions for both genders. The firm, which went public in 2021 via a SPAC, has amassed close to 2 million subscribers and is setting its sights on the lucrative weight loss drugs segment.

Positive Growth Trajectory

With innovative solutions such as compounded GLP-1 injections and strategic partnerships with major retailers like Target, Hims & Hers continues to witness significant growth. The company's strong performance in Q1, marked by a 41% increase in subscribers and a 46% rise in sales, underscores its upward trajectory.

Financial Projections and Stock Performance

Zacks estimates indicate a robust revenue surge for Hims & Hers, projecting a 44% growth in FY24 and a further 31% increase in the following year. The company's stock has seen a remarkable 533% boost in its FY25 EPS estimate, earning it a coveted Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Despite a recent pullback from its peak, the stock remains a compelling investment proposition.

Ero Copper Corp.: Harnessing the Power of Copper

Ero Copper Corp., a prominent copper producer based in Vancouver, has positioned itself at the forefront of the global energy transition. With copper demand expected to surge driven by renewable energy growth and infrastructure projects, Ero Copper is poised for substantial expansion.

Strategic Growth Initiatives

The company's ambitious target to double copper production by 2025, supported by its Tucumã Project nearing completion, reflects its commitment to capitalizing on the growing market demand. Ero Copper's steady revenue growth projections point towards a promising future in the copper sector.

Market Position and Outlook

Amidst fluctuations in copper prices, Ero Copper remains resilient, with a plan in place to significantly boost revenues in the coming years. Investors eyeing the long-term potential of the copper market may find Ero Copper an attractive investment option.

Ero Copper Corp: A Gleaming Investment Opportunity in the Growing Copper Industry Ero Copper Corp: A Gleaming Investment Opportunity in the Growing Copper Industry

The company argues that such provisions would give banks an unfair advantage and undermine competition from crypto-native firms.

The warning comes ahead of a January 15 markup set by Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott, after repeated legislative delays throughout 2025.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has previously said banks are likely to lobby for exclusive control over stablecoin yield as adoption grows. While Coinbase has applied for a national trust charter that could eventually allow it to offer rewards under stricter rules, the firm is pushing to preserve non-bank models.

Dubai bans privacy tokens, tightens stablecoin rules

Dubai’s financial regulator has banned privacy-focused crypto tokens and tightened its stablecoin framework as part of a broader overhaul of digital asset rules.

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) said privacy coins are incompatible with anti–money laundering and sanctions compliance standards and will no longer be permitted in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Under the updated regime, only fiat-backed stablecoins supported by high-quality, liquid assets will qualify as stablecoins, while algorithmic models will be treated as ordinary crypto tokens.

The rules take effect January 12 and reflect a shift away from regulator-approved token lists toward firm-led suitability assessments. Licensed companies will now be responsible for determining whether crypto assets meet regulatory standards and must keep those assessments under ongoing review.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Technology for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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