KRX aims for change: 24/7 trading and innovative crypto products on the horizon

What’s happening? Korea Exchange is preparing a thorough transformation of its markets. KRX CEO Jeong Eun-bo announced the implementation of 24-hour trading and an expansion of offerings — focusing on ETFs and derivative instruments based on digital assets. This is an ambitious move toward integrating cryptocurrencies with mainstream finance in South Korea.

Borderless Trading and New Market Oversight

The exchange is preparing for round-the-clock trading, aligning it with global standards for cryptocurrency trading. Simultaneously, KRX will implement an advanced monitoring system based on artificial intelligence — a tool designed to combat manipulation and unfair practices both in traditional and digital markets.

The response team established last year will be strengthened to analyze any suspicious market movements. According to the exchange’s chairman, these measures aim to build investor trust and ensure transparency. Particular attention is focused on securities linked to cryptocurrencies, where the risk of manipulation is highest.

How will this change the market?

The introduction of derivative instruments for cryptocurrencies is a game-changer for local investors. Both individuals and institutions will have access to a regulated, secure way to gain exposure to digital assets — without the need to directly hold tokens. This trend is already visible in the United States and Europe, and now it has reached Korea.

The exchange positions itself as a competitive hub for digital asset investments in Asia. Underlying strategic efforts is the desire to overcome the “Korea Discount” — the phenomenon of undervaluation of Korean assets on the global market. KOSPI has already surpassed 4000 points, signaling a recovery.

Foreign capital within reach

Analysts see this initiative as an opportunity to attract large foreign funds. Liquidity in South Korea’s cryptocurrency market is expected to increase, and risks related to price manipulation — to decrease.

At the same time, South Korean holding groups in the financial sector are accelerating their activities in the stablecoin market, forming strategic partnerships with technology leaders. The digital payments landscape in Korea is transforming, and KRX aims to be a leading player in this transformation.