South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance has reviewed implementation of the roadmap for inclusion in the MSCI Developed Markets Index, reporting that 30 of its 39 tasks, or 77%, have been completed. Authorities plan to complete three more tasks in 2026 and are focusing follow-up work on electronic foreign exchange trading, securities settlement liquidity and offshore access to the Korean won. Electronic foreign exchange guidelines issued in August set system stability and internal control standards for algorithmic trading and provide a self-assessment checklist for banks and securities firms. The framework is intended to support stable 24-hour trading without requiring staff to remain on site. Since the foreign exchange market moved to 24-hour operation on July 6, average daily interbank spot trading has risen 10.1% to USD 19.14 billion from USD 17.39 billion in the first half of 2026. Incentives for leading won-dollar market-making banks will also give greater weight to late-night trading volumes. Settlement facilitation payments may be made with stocks and bonds rather than only cash from September, while securities due to be received through exchange trading will qualify as collateral from October. Regulations will also be amended in August and September for the Bank of Korea's international won settlement network, which will allow foreign investors to hold, transfer and use won through overseas financial institutions without opening a Korean account. A pilot is scheduled for September, followed by full implementation in 2027.

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