Korea Exchange

Korea Exchange (KRX) operates South Korea's primary stock markets, KOSPI and KOSDAQ, facilitating equity, bond, and derivative trading from Seoul. It manages listing, market monitoring, and transaction settlement for over 1,900 combined listed companies, including 770 on KOSPI and 1,159 on KOSDAQ as of 2016. KRX also runs specialized markets, such as emissions trading, and supports venture capital for innovative companies. Major shareholders, including KB Securities, held 86.11% as of 2019; leaders include Jiwon Jung and Eunbo Jeong. Officially formed January 27, 2005, via the merger of the Korea Stock Exchange, Korea Futures Exchange, and KOSDAQ, KRX traces its roots to the 1956 Korea Stock Exchange. Its business model centers on primarily funded through trading fees, listing fees, and membership dues from financial investment companies and securities firms.