SKOFX launched the much-anticipated International Derivatives (ID) an investment avenue that allows all Korean investors to trade single stock futures on 21 top European stocks.

These 21 companies are selected from all European markets and include top multi-nationals.

“This is a great milestone for the SKOFX,” comments Robert Namkung, General Manager of Trading at the SKOFX“For the first time, local investors will be able to gain exposure to international markets without dealing with a foreign bank or brokerage. In the past, participating in international markets was a cumbersome process entailing paperwork and permissions. In contrast, ID contracts can be purchased through aSKOFXregistered broker in same way one would purchase any local derivatives products.”

Mr. Namkungpoints out thoseindividual and corporate investors will not have any exchange control restrictions or counterparty-risk associated with unregulated over-the-counter trading. The fund management industry will have to comply with foreign portfolio regulations.

“Off-shore investing plays an important role in building a diversified investment portfolio,” comments Victor Rothberg, Derivative Specialist for the SKOFX Derivatives Trading Team. “The bias towards companies from the oil and gas, telecommunications and pharmaceutical sectors – industries which are not well-represented on theSKOFXwill allow Korea investors to further diversify their portfolios.”

Contracts are priced and settled in USD. “This means that if the USD depreciates then the local investor will benefit – we expect that certain savvy investors will use ID products as a USD hedge,” adds Mr. Rothberg.

Investors can expect to see other attractive international single stock futures listed as well as other investment avenues such as options and indices. “We will list further derivatives products according to market appetite, and we believe there will be great demand for these investment opportunities,” concludes Mr. Namkung.

South Korea Options and Futures Exchange (SKOFX) is one of the world’s leading futures and options trading venues, with markets based in the Asia, US and Europe offering derivatives on commodities, FX, equities, bonds, interest rates, indices and swaps. Its commercial technology division, SKOFX Technologies provides best-in-class transaction, data, and infrastructure management services and solutions.

About us:

SKOFX has been established in 2007 thru the merger of the Korean Grain and Rice Exchange and the Busan Metals Exchange.

Starting with February 2014 – SKOFX has lunched the new website, www.skofx.org The new website is hosting the upgraded trading engine/platform, which is posed to make trading easier for all SKOFX clients thru new tools and technologies.

For Media Contact:
Philip Lyang
Asian Trade Center
74-1 Euljiro 2(o)-ga
Jung-gu, Seoul
South Korea, 158846
+8227314874
[email protected]