A Milestone for Global Market Infrastructure in Seoul

The Korea Exchange (KRX) is honoured to host the 2025 WFE Clear Conference in Seoul from April 1 to 3, bringing together global leaders, policymakers and innovators in post-trade services. As financial markets undergo rapid transformation, this premier gathering serves as a critical platform for discussions on central clearing, market resilience and technological innovation, all of which are shaping the future of the global financial ecosystem.

This year’s conference will be one of the most comprehensive and forward-looking in the WFE’s history, addressing the shifting landscape of clearing, the increasing demand for risk management solutions and the role of cutting-edge technology in ensuring financial stability. The dialogue among leading CCPs, regulators, financial institutions and technology providers will provide deep insights into the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the global clearing industry.

Advancing the Future of Clearing and Risk Management

As the post-trade environment evolves, clearinghouses worldwide must adapt to an increasingly complex regulatory framework, evolving market structures and new financial risks. Aiming to achieve innovations for resilience and efficiency, this year’s WFE Clear Conference will examine the intersection of clearing, risk management and financial market infrastructure. As markets become more interconnected, the challenges and prerequisites for 24/7 clearing will also be explored, with a strong emphasis on liquidity management, operational resilience and regulatory alignment across jurisdictions.

One of the key highlights of this year’s conference will be the exploration of CCPs’ role in financial stability, featuring in-depth discussions on AI-driven risk management models, the impact of mandatory clearing mandates and the long-term evolution of market structure. These conversations will offer valuable strategic insights into how clearing and settlement operations can be modernised to meet the demands of an increasingly globalised and digitised financial system.

KRX: A Key Player in Global Exchange and CCP Development

As a leading exchange and clearinghouse in Asia, KRX ranks seventh globally in equities trading value and eighth in derivatives trading value, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of global markets. In 2024, the Korean securities market's average daily settlement amount reached approximately $2.36 billion (3.48 trillion KRW), reflecting a 9.8% increase from the previous year. KRX efficiently net-settled around 89% of the average daily trading value, which stood at $21.34 billion. The derivatives market experienced significant growth, with an average daily settlement amount of $132.58 million in 2024, marking a 47.9% year-over-year increase. KRX achieved a netting ratio of 99.6% for the average daily trading value of $37.80 billion, maximising the benefits of multilateral netting through central clearing. As of the end of 2024, the clearing balance for OTC derivatives has exceeded $2 trillion.

KRX’s continued efforts in enhancing clearinghouse services, market transparency and investor confidence are part of its broader mission to reinforce Korea’s position as a global financial hub. By implementing key policy changes, technological innovations, and investor protection measures, KRX has positioned itself as one of the most resilient and forward-looking exchanges in the world.

KRX’s Key Initiatives for 2025 and Beyond

KRX is actively working to ensure that Korea’s capital markets remain globally competitive through a series of strategic initiatives that focus on improving market transparency, expanding international reach and strengthening investor trust. The Corporate Value Up Initiative is central to this strategy, aimed at enhancing the corporate value of listed companies. By fostering stronger corporate governance, improving disclosure practices, and incentivising long-term shareholder value, KRX is positioning Korean companies more favourably among global investors.

To further solidify Korea’s presence on the international stage, KRX is accelerating efforts to be included in developed market indices, while also expanding listing of Korean equity-based index derivatives to overseas markets. These efforts will increase accessibility for international investors and reinforce KRX’s role as a global leader in capital markets.

As market competition grows with the emergence of Alternative Trading Systems (ATS), KRX is taking steps to enhance market management and stability. Strengthening the regulatory framework surrounding ATS will ensure that Korea’s capital markets remain resilient and transparent, creating an efficient environment for both institutional and retail investors. Alongside these regulatory enhancements, KRX is reforming IPO and delisting regulations to build investor confidence. These improvements will help ensure fair pricing mechanisms, protect minority shareholders and create a more reliable investment environment for both domestic and international participants.

In the area of financial technology, KRX is reinforcing its leadership in index and data services, as well as IT solutions. With a strong emphasis on digital transformation, the exchange is expanding its financial data offerings and leveraging advanced market solutions to create a more robust and intelligent clearing infrastructure. The integration of big data and advanced analytics is expected to further enhance transparency and efficiency across the post-trade ecosystem.

Recognising the growing importance of cross-border accessibility, KRX is set to introduce night-time derivatives trading to accommodate global investors operating in different time zones. Additionally, improvements in English disclosure practices will ensure that foreign investors have seamless access to essential market information, fostering a more transparent and inclusive trading environment.

Expanding its global presence, KRX is establishing new overseas offices in New York and London. These offices will serve as strategic hubs for global marketing, institutional engagement and investor outreach, helping KRX expand its global footprint while building stronger relationships with international market participants. By actively engaging with global financial institutions and industry stakeholders, KRX is committed to strengthening Korea’s position as a key player in the global financial landscape.

Seoul: A Hub for Global Exchange Innovation

Seoul continues to establish itself as a global financial and technological hub, making it the ideal location for discussions on the future of financial markets. The city’s robust infrastructure and innovative financial ecosystem provide an excellent backdrop for industry leaders to explore new opportunities in clearing, risk management and market development. Beyond the conference, Seoul offers delegates a rich cultural experience, blending history, technology and business in a way that reflects Korea’s unique position in the global economy.

A Commitment to the Global Exchange Community

KRX is proud to contribute to the growth and development of the WFE and the broader global financial community. The 2025 WFE Clear Conference represents KRX’s commitment to fostering collaboration, advancing market infrastructure and championing technological innovation. Through its strategic initiatives, KRX is not only strengthening Korea’s capital markets, but also playing a critical role in shaping the future of financial markets on a global scale.

With an ambitious agenda set for 2025 and beyond, KRX is determined to ensure that Korea’s capital markets remain at the forefront of global financial innovation. The WFE Clear Conference provides a timely opportunity to discuss the key challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders to drive meaningful progress.

We look forward to welcoming global financial experts, market operators, policy makers and industry pioneers to Seoul for this landmark event. Together, we will chart a course for the future of clearing, risk management and market innovation, ensuring a more resilient, transparent and efficient global financial ecosystem for years to come.