South Korea’s financial regulator is considering extending the Korea Exchange’s (KRX) stock trading hours from the current 6.5 hours to 12 hours, aligning them with those of the country’s newly launched alternative trading system (ATS), Nextrade. The regulator is also preparing to introduce spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and shorten the stock settlement cycle.
According to government officials, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) recently outlined plans to expand KRX trading to run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., compared with the existing 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. schedule. Nextrade, which began operations in March, already offers 12 hours of trading, including a pre-market (8:00–8:50 a.m.), main session (9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.), and after-market (3:30–8:00 p.m.).
The FSC is also reviewing the introduction of a T+1 settlement cycle, reducing the current two-day process to one day, in line with U.S. practices. Officials say the move would improve global investor convenience and allow investors quicker access to funds for reinvestment.
In addition, the regulator aims to prepare the groundwork for spot crypto ETFs in the second half of the year. Plans include establishing a legal framework and infrastructure covering custody, valuation, and investor protection. The initiative comes as global demand for crypto-related financial products rises following the U.S. approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs in January last year.
The FSC is also weighing regulatory measures for stablecoins and expanding the application of the debt service ratio (DSR) to mortgage-backed lease loans.
An FSC official said the regulator is “actively reviewing measures to enhance Korea’s market infrastructure in line with global financial trends and to improve investor accessibility.”
