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The Korea Exchange (KRX) is the sole securities and derivatives exchange operator in South Korea. Their press releases and announcements often cover topics related to market operations, new indices, regulatory changes, and efforts to enhance the Korean capital market.
Here’s a summary of recent themes and specific announcements related to KRX:
Key Themes in Recent Press Releases:
* Korea Value-up Initiative: This is a major focus for KRX and the Korean financial authorities. The “Value-up Program” aims to address the “Korea discount” (where Korean stocks trade at lower valuations compared to global peers) by encouraging companies to enhance shareholder value through improved governance, dividends, and share buybacks. KRX has been actively developing and adjusting indices related to this initiative.
* Market Enhancements and Internationalization: KRX is continually working on improving its trading systems, expanding product offerings, and opening up its market to more foreign participation. This includes efforts to upgrade the overall market infrastructure and attract global investors.
* Derivatives Market Development: There’s a continuous effort to expand and improve the derivatives market, including new listings and rule adjustments for single stock futures and options.
* ESG and Sustainability: While perhaps less prominent in recent direct press releases compared to the Value-up initiative, KRX has been involved in promoting ESG investing and has related indices (e.g., KRX ESG Leaders).
* System Upgrades and Technology: KRX is involved in significant technology upgrades, including the “KRX system” being adopted by other exchanges (like Vietnam’s) to enhance trading efficiency.
Specific Recent Press Releases/Announcements (based on available information, primarily from May 2025):
* Korea Value-up Index Rebalancing (May 27, 2025): KRX announced the results of the regular changes to the Korea Value-up Index. This involved adding 27 new stocks (e.g., Hyundai Rotem, KRAFTON, JB Financial Group) and excluding 32. Notably, Samsung Electronics was retained despite not having announced a specific value enhancement plan, suggesting a nuanced approach by KRX. The exchange increased the proportion of listed corporations in the value-up index from 25% to 61% through this change.
* Launch of the New Information Technology System (KRX System) in Vietnam (May 5, 2025): While not a direct KRX press release about its own market, there were announcements from Vietnamese securities companies (like Bao Viet Securities Joint Stock Company – BVSC) regarding the successful transition and official commencement of operations for the “KRX System” in the Vietnamese stock market. This system, developed by the Korea Exchange, promises features like odd-lot trading and same-day settlement (T+0), indicating KRX’s expertise in providing market infrastructure solutions globally.
* Rule Change Proposed to Increase Maximum Deposit Protection Coverage (May 16, 2025): The Financial Services Commission (FSC), which oversees KRX, issued a preliminary notice to raise the maximum deposit protection coverage from KRW 50 million to KRW 100 million, effective from September 1, 2025. This is a significant development for investor protection in South Korea.
* Expansion of Single Stock Futures and Options (March 14, 2025): KRX had announced plans earlier in the year to expand the list of single stock futures and options and improve the derivatives market, with new regulations to be implemented in April 2025.
* Korea Value-up Index Launch (September 25, 2024): This was a major announcement from last year, when KRX officially launched the Korea Value-up Index, composed of 100 “best practice” firms, as a follow-up to Korea’s value-up program initiative. KRX also indicated plans to launch financial products, including futures and ETFs, based on this new index.
Where to Find Them:
For the most accurate and up-to-date press releases from KRX, you should directly visit their official website. They typically have a “Newsroom,” “Press Releases,” or “Announcements” section where you can access their official communications. Additionally, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Korea, as the primary regulator, also publishes relevant announcements concerning the Korean financial markets, including those related to KRX.

Video courtesy of ABN-AMRO

Video courtesy of ABN-AMRO