The Korea Exchange has signalled plans to ease trading rules by exempting certain market alert-designated stocks on the KOSPI, KOSDAQ and KONEX from a requirement to collect 100 percent cash margin on buy orders. The exchange said it aims to rationalise regulations in line with global standards amid criticism from foreign, retail and institutional investors. It also plans to delete a related rule in KOSDAQ regulations and seek opinions through April 30.

Lee Eok-won (이억원), chairman of South Korea\'s Financial Services Commission, said the KOSDAQ market will be divided into two leagues for mature innovative firms and growing scale-ups, with movement between them allowed. He said differentiated roles for KONEX, KOSDAQ and KOSPI will support corporate growth. Lee also pledged to respond forcefully to possible market volatility from Middle East geopolitical shocks, review expanding a 100 trillion won plus-alpha stabilisation programme, and strengthen action against stock manipulation and duplicate listings.