Connecticut-headquartered Interactive Brokers, an automated global broker, has launched access to equities listed on the Korea Exchange, becoming the first major United States-based broker to offer seamless trading in South Korea’s USD 1.8 trillion equity market.
“Korea ranks fourth among Asia’s equity markets and tenth globally by market capitalisation, with over USD 10 billion in daily volume – liquidity comparable to many European exchanges. The market is home to category-leading semiconductor manufacturers, automotive innovators, and consumer technology companies with global footprints, including Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Hyundai Motor. As one of Asia’s most liquid markets, Korea represents a point of entry for international investors seeking exposure to the region’s technology leadership and industrial innovation,” Interactive Brokers said.
“For investors operating across multiple markets and time zones, Interactive Brokers’ launch expands the ability to build truly global portfolios with the same integrated trading experience Interactive Brokers provides across all asset classes and regions. Eligible clients worldwide can now access Korean equities with same-day account enablement, real-time execution, and transparent institutional-grade pricing. IBKR clients can trade Korean equities and derivatives alongside over 170 global markets spanning stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, funds and more from a single unified platform,” the company added.
“Korea is one of Asia’s most dynamic equity markets, and access to the KRX enables our clients to more comprehensively manage their Asian exposure. This launch is a natural extension of our mission to continually expand market access, ensuring our clients can seize investment opportunities wherever they exist. This market has long deserved a place in truly diversified portfolios, and Korean equities can now be traded with the same ease and efficiency as other markets on our platform,” said David Friedland, managing director for Asia Pacific at Interactive Brokers.
Access to Korean equities through Interactive Brokers includes over 1,800 listed securities; multi-currency support with FX (Foreign Exchange) conversion commissions as low as 0.20 basis points or 0.0020% of the trade value; integrated portfolio margining across global holdings where applicable; and API access for algorithmic trading strategies.
“Existing Interactive Brokers clients can begin trading Korean equities immediately by enabling KRX market data and trading permissions in Client Portal. New clients can open accounts online, with most approvals completed within one business day,” the business concluded.