tl;dr
South Korean investors shifted $19.2 billion from banks to riskier assets, including cryptocurrencies and stocks, over five months. Cryptocurrency accounts among South Koreans aged 60 surged by 30.4%, while those in their 20s reduced crypto accounts by 6.4%. The shift is attributed to global politi...
South Korean investors shifted $19.2 billion from banks to riskier assets, including cryptocurrencies and stocks, over five months.
Cryptocurrency accounts among South Koreans aged 60 surged by 30.4%, while those in their 20s reduced crypto accounts by 6.4%.
The shift is attributed to global political changes, and the decision to delay crypto taxation for another two years by South Korea's Democratic Party. This has been seen as a positive factor for the ongoing market rally and could reshape the country's financial priorities in the global cryptocurrency landscape.
South Korea’s crypto market is seeing a surge as investors shifted 27 trillion won ($19.2 billion) from demand deposits in banks to higher-risk assets, including cryptocurrencies and stocks. Market observers link the surge in crypto investments to the shift in the global political landscape, especially after Trump’s return. Data from the Financial Supervisory Service, shared by opposition lawmaker Ahn Do-geol, highlights the generational dynamics of this trend.
Cryptocurrency accounts among South Koreans aged 60 and older surged by 30.4% since late 2021, signaling increasing adoption among retirees. Similarly, investors in their 50s saw a 22.5% rise in crypto accounts. In contrast, younger South Koreans have shown a more cautious approach; individuals in their 20s reduced their crypto accounts by 6.4%, while those in their 30s increased their participation by a modest 8.3%.
The shifting demographics underscore the evolving perception of cryptocurrencies as a viable investment vehicle, particularly among older generations. Fueling this optimism is South Korea’s Democratic Party’s decision to delay crypto taxation for an additional two years. Many in the crypto community see it as a bullish factor for the ongoing market rally.
Arthur Hayes, co-founder of the BitMEX exchange, expressed confidence in the continuation of the bull market as long as South Korea postpones the capital gains tax on cryptocurrencies for another two years. Together, the rising risk appetite and the recent tax reprieve could significantly reshape South Korea’s financial priorities and its role in the global cryptocurrency landscape.