## KRX Transforms Its Operations: 24-Hour Access to Crypto Assets and New Financial Products

South Korea's stock exchange is executing an ambitious strategy to position itself as an Asian hub for digital asset investment. The main goal is to eliminate the traditional "Korea discount" by integrating cryptocurrencies into its operations, including a seamless transaction system that will operate every day of the week, with no time restrictions in South Korea.

Jeong Eun-bo, president of KRX, outlined the plans during an official announcement, detailing that the exchange will gradually introduce ETFs and derivatives linked to crypto assets. This move responds to the growing institutional and retail demand for regulated financial instruments that offer exposure to digital assets without the need to directly custody virtual currencies.

### Smart Surveillance: Market Manipulation Protection

The core of this transformation lies in implementing an AI-powered monitoring system designed to detect and prevent unfair practices in both traditional and crypto markets. KRX will also strengthen its previously established joint response unit to investigate and combat suspicious activities affecting securities linked to crypto assets.

These measures aim to strengthen investor confidence and ensure operational transparency. Automated monitoring will enable real-time detection of price manipulation, suspicious trades, and market abuse, protecting both institutional and retail participants.

### Global Premium Market: KRX Bridges the Competitive Gap

The context is favorable for this initiative. The KOSPI index has surpassed 4,000 points, signaling recovery in South Korean markets. By integrating crypto products into its offerings, KRX aims to attract foreign capital to the local ecosystem and connect traditional investment with opportunities in decentralized finance.

Cryptocurrency ETFs and derivatives will allow investors to gain regulated exposure without custody risks. This model has already proven successful in the United States and Europe, positioning KRX in line with global standards of financial innovation. Simultaneously, leading South Korean financial holding companies are accelerating partnerships with tech leaders to capture the expanding stablecoin and digital payment markets.

The KRX initiative reflects a definitive recognition: digital assets are no longer a marginal segment but integral components of modern financial markets.