Lee reviews stock settlement timing

Mar 19, 2026, 08:55 am

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President Lee Jae-myung speaks at a meeting on capital market stability and normalization at the presidential office on March 18.

Lee Jae-myung called for a review of South Korea’s stock settlement system, suggesting that the current payment timeline could be shortened.

Speaking at a meeting on capital market stability and normalization, Lee questioned the existing process in which investors receive funds two days after selling stocks.

“There are concerns about why money is paid two days after selling shares,” Lee said. “If necessary, we should consider adjusting this as a policy agenda.”

South Korea currently operates under a “T+2” settlement system, meaning that transactions are finalized two business days after a trade is executed. As a result, investors can only withdraw proceeds two days after selling shares.

Global markets, however, are moving toward faster settlement. The United States adopted a “T+1” system last year, while Europe plans to follow in 2027. Blockchain-based digital asset markets already allow near-instant settlement.

Korea Exchange Chairman Jeong Eun-bo said authorities would closely monitor global trends and prepare to implement faster clearing and settlement processes without delay.

He added that wider adoption of blockchain-based trading could eventually eliminate separate clearing procedures and enable real-time settlement.

Lee also commented on recent stock market volatility, saying fluctuations should not be viewed solely as a crisis but as part of a natural adjustment process.

“Stock prices have recently fallen sharply due to the war and then fluctuated,” he said. “But every situation has two sides. Considering the rapid rise last year without much correction, the market may now be undergoing a healthy consolidation.”

He emphasized that while overcoming national challenges is important, periods of uncertainty also present opportunities to push forward necessary reforms.

#Lee Jae-myung #stock settlement #capital market reform #Korea Exchange #blockchain trading