Financial Services Commission Chairman: "The Launch of Alternative Exchanges is Significant... We Will Strictly Manage Multiple Markets"

Kim Byung-hwan, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, stated on the 4th that NextTrade, the first domestic Alternative Trading System (ATS) launched, "holds great significance as a value-up in terms of stock market and capital market trading infrastructure." He also emphasized the policy to thoroughly manage multiple markets to ensure there are no gaps in investor protection.

On the 4th, the alternative trading system (ATS) 'NextTrade (NXT)' opening ceremony was held at the Financial Investment Center Building in Yeouido, Seoul. Kim Byung-hwan, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, who attended the event, is delivering a congratulatory speech. 2025.03.04 Photo by Yoon Dong-joo

On the same day, Chairman Kim attended the NextTrade opening ceremony held at the Korea Financial Investment Association in Yeouido, Seoul, and said, "I sincerely congratulate the launch of NextTrade, a new securities market and the second exchange."

Wearing a red tie symbolizing hopes for stock market revitalization and standing at the podium, he highlighted the meaning of the ATS launch by saying, "Along with expanding the base of the stock market through improved market accessibility and liquidity, investors will also be able to enjoy various benefits."

He continued, "Healthy competition between multiple markets will lead to reduced trading fees," and explained, "Stock trading hours have been extended, allowing office worker investors to invest comfortably before work or after leaving the office." NextTrade's fees are 20-40% cheaper compared to the current Korea Exchange fees. With the launch of the ATS, stock trading hours will also be extended to 12 hours.

The era of multiple stock trading markets in Korea has opened about 12 years after the legal basis was established in May 2013. Chairman Kim emphasized, "The financial authorities and Korea Exchange will block unfair trading through strict market surveillance and thoroughly manage multiple markets to ensure there is not a single gap in investor protection."

He added, "Since this new market was launched after long discussions and efforts, I ask NextTrade, Korea Exchange, and the securities industry to join forces so that the new market can successfully settle," and "The government will also support its successful settlement and back its further development based on this."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.