South Korea's KRX to Launch 24-Hour Trading, Crypto ETFs, and AI-Powered Market Surveillance

Source: DefiPlanet Original Title: KRX Plans 24-Hour Trading and Virtual Asset Products to Boost Crypto Market Original Link: https://defi-planet.com/2026/01/krx-plans-24-hour-trading-and-virtual-asset-products-to-boost-crypto-market/

Quick Breakdown

• KRX to launch 24-hour trading and crypto ETFs, derivatives for virtual assets.
• AI monitoring and a joint response team to target unfair trading and manipulation.
• The initiative aims to attract foreign capital and integrate crypto into South Korea’s premium market.

South Korea’s Korea Exchange (KRX) is moving to modernize its financial markets with a sharp focus on digital assets, including cryptocurrencies. Chairman Jeong Eun-bo announced plans to gradually introduce 24-hour trading and expand virtual asset-linked products such as ETFs and derivatives.

KRX Eyes Extended Trading and AI Oversight for Crypto Assets

KRX will deploy an artificial intelligence-based monitoring system to enhance market surveillance and detect manipulation in both traditional and crypto markets. The exchange will also reinforce a joint response team established last year, specifically targeting unfair trading practices that could impact crypto-linked securities.

“These upgrades aim to strengthen transparency and investor confidence while providing a platform for digital asset innovation,” Jeong said. The expansion aligns South Korea’s markets with global crypto trading practices and provides an on-ramp for both institutional and retail participation.

Integrating Crypto into South Korea’s Premium Market Vision

KRX’s strategy is part of a broader push to overcome the “Korea Discount,” with the KOSPI surpassing 4,000 points and other indicators signaling market recovery. By integrating crypto-focused products into its offerings, KRX aims to position the country as a competitive hub for digital asset investment in Asia.

The introduction of crypto ETFs and derivatives will allow investors to gain regulated exposure to digital assets without directly holding underlying tokens, mirroring trends seen in the U.S. and Europe. Analysts say these moves could attract foreign capital and provide liquidity to South Korea’s nascent crypto markets, while AI monitoring safeguards against the risks of price manipulation and market abuse.

KRX’s initiative underscores a growing recognition of digital assets as part of mainstream finance and highlights the exchange’s commitment to bridging traditional equities with blockchain-based financial products.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s most prominent financial holding companies are accelerating their push into the stablecoin market, forming strategic partnerships with leading technology firms to establish a foothold in the rapidly expanding digital payments sector.