Parataxis Korea Challenges Rigid Crypto Regulations to Introduce South Korea’s Inaugural Bitcoin Treasury

Parataxis Korea, a recently launched platform for institutional investors, has introduced South Korea’s inaugural publicly listed

treasury firm by purchasing Bridge Biotherapeutics, a biotechnology company, for $18.5 million. Now operating under the name Parataxis Korea, the company seeks to lead the way in corporate bitcoin treasury management throughout Asia, following the example of U.S. companies such as MicroStrategy. The platform’s first acquisition of 50 bitcoin signals its market debut, with intentions to grow its reserves and build advanced infrastructure for managing digital assets at an institutional level.

This acquisition highlights the increasing trend of businesses adopting bitcoin as a treasury reserve. Worldwide, 126 publicly traded firms collectively possess close to 820,000 bitcoin, worth $88.8 billion, though South Korea’s regulatory climate remains tight. At present, only three publicly listed Korean companies own bitcoin, and corporate acquisitions are mostly confined to nonprofits and crypto exchanges. Nevertheless, a pilot program set for 2025 will enable 3,500 Korean companies to establish verified crypto accounts, and legislators are advocating for the introduction of spot crypto ETFs and stablecoins by 2026. Parataxis Korea’s initiative positions it to benefit from these regulatory changes, while its listed company model aims to ease institutional reluctance.

Andrew Kim, the CEO of Parataxis Korea, highlighted the organization’s dedication to governance and risk control, noting, “Bitcoin can be volatile, but we’ve operated professionally in this market for six years.” The platform incorporates robust compliance standards, secure asset custody, and strategic capital market activities to

“bitcoin per share” over time. This figure, similar to earnings per share, is designed to align management’s interests with sustained value growth. Parataxis Korea has also introduced a $100 million fund to expand its business, and plans to bring on board directors with expertise in securities law and digital assets.

The company’s approach draws on international examples, such as MicroStrategy’s $61.4 billion bitcoin portfolio and Metaplanet’s holding of 10,000 bitcoin. Kim pointed out that bitcoin is increasingly being recognized as a new asset class by institutions, likening its adoption to the early days of real estate and venture capital. Parataxis Korea’s partnerships with legal and financial advisors, including Sejong Law and Deloitte, further demonstrate its focus on regulatory compliance and operational excellence.

Despite ongoing regulatory hurdles—like the lack of spot ETFs—restricting corporate involvement in crypto, Kim expects greater adoption as the rules evolve, with Parataxis Korea setting a precedent. The company’s long-term strategy involves expanding its platform throughout Asia, leveraging the expertise of its U.S.-based parent in asset management and institutional infrastructure.