Interactive Brokers Expands Access to Korean Equities with Launch of Nextrade ATS

On June 30, 2026, Interactive Brokers Group Inc. (NASDAQ: IBKR) announced a significant expansion in its offerings by launching access to select Korean equities through Nextrade, South Korea's first Alternative Trading System (ATS). This strategic initiative enhances the company’s existing services and marks an important step in broadening its global market access, particularly in one of Asia's most vibrant markets.

The introduction of Nextrade complements Interactive Brokers' earlier initiative that provided clients with direct access to the Korea Exchange (KRX). With this latest move, Interactive Brokers continues to position itself as a pioneer among US-based brokers, offering global investors an unprecedented opportunity to trade in the Korean equity market.

David Friedland, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Interactive Brokers, emphasized the importance of the Korean market, stating, "Korea is home to some of the world's most innovative companies, and its equity market has become increasingly central to global investment strategies." The launch of Nextrade aims to give clients greater flexibility and more avenues to capitalize on opportunities within this dynamic market.

Nextrade provides clients with access to approximately 650 securities from the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets, which are known for hosting industry giants such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Hyundai Motor. One of the key features of Nextrade is its extended trading hours, which operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM KST across three distinct sessions:

These extended hours allow clients to respond to global market developments more effectively, facilitating trades across different time zones and enhancing overall trading flexibility.

Interactive Brokers has implemented its proprietary IB SmartRouting℠ technology across both the KRX and Nextrade platforms. This innovative feature automatically directs orders to the venue offering the best price, ensuring clients achieve optimal execution. This integration not only enhances trading efficiency but also increases the potential for improved returns on investments.

Friedland reiterated the company's commitment to providing cost-efficient market access, stating, "By adding Nextrade alongside the Korea Exchange, we're giving clients greater flexibility and more ways to capture opportunities in one of Asia's most compelling markets."

With the addition of Nextrade, Interactive Brokers clients can seamlessly manage a diversified global investment portfolio that includes trading in stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, and funds across more than 170 markets worldwide. This unified platform underscores the company’s mission to empower its clients with advanced trading tools and resources, positioning them to achieve superior investment outcomes.

However, it's important to note that access to Nextrade through Interactive Brokers is not available to residents of Korea, and product availability may vary depending on the client’s country of residence.

The launch of Nextrade is a significant milestone for Interactive Brokers, reinforcing its reputation as a leading global broker. By expanding access to the Korean equity market, the company not only enhances its service offerings but also provides clients with new avenues to engage with one of the world's most innovative economies. As global investment strategies evolve, Interactive Brokers continues to adapt, ensuring its clients have the tools and access necessary to succeed in an increasingly interconnected financial world.