Bank of Korea Launches 24-Hour Won Settlement Pilot for Foreign Investors

Key Facts

1The Bank of Korea launched a pilot network allowing foreign investors to settle won transactions during their local business hours.

In a move reflecting the modernization of the foreign exchange market, the Bank of Korea has launched a pilot network allowing foreign investors to settle won transactions during their local business hours. According to reports, this initiative is designed to reduce settlement friction for international participants by aligning market operations with global time zones. The central bank aims to facilitate smoother participation in South Korean markets by removing the constraints of traditional operating hours.

The pilot program focuses on improving market accessibility and enhancing the liquidity of the South Korean won. Per market dynamics, the Bank of Korea (BoK) is seeking to align its financial infrastructure with international standards to attract more foreign capital. While the project is currently in a testing phase, it represents a strategic shift toward a more integrated and flexible currency market that accommodates the needs of global institutional investors.

As the market monitors the pilot's progress, authoritative price data for the won was unavailable at the close on September 21, 2026. Looking at the broader regional context, recent economic data from the region included China's Industrial Production, which grew by 5.2% as of September 15, providing a backdrop for Asian market sentiment. Investors will be watching for further updates on the scalability of the 24-hour settlement system and its impact on won trading volumes.