South Korea’s first alternative trading system NextTrade has expanded rapidly since its March debut, drawing praise at a symposium hosted by the Korea Securities Association. Participants said the multiple‑market regime has taken hold but called for easing the 15 percent market share cap, expanding tradable assets and upgrading related systems. They also noted positive effects such as extended trading hours and lower fees, while urging safeguards and clearer rules to address liquidity, surveillance and stability concerns.

The Financial Investment Association said it welcomed the National Assembly’s political affairs committee approving amendments that establish legal grounds for issuing and trading security tokens. The group noted that both ruling and opposition lawmakers introduced the bills and passed them by agreement. It said demand for issuing and trading non‑standard securities has risen with blockchain‑based fractional investments. The amendments recognise electronic registration of security tokens and provide regulatory grounds for STO introduction and trading. Chairman Seo You‑seok said STOs could broaden fundraising for innovative and venture firms and pledged cooperation with regulators.