Goldman Sachs, BlackRock welcome market changes, stress access, consistent implementation
South Korea launched a three-week campaign to attract global investors Monday, pledging further capital market reforms as international investment firms stressed that lasting confidence would depend on consistent implementation.
Jointly hosted by the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange, “Korea Premium Weeks 2026” runs through Oct. 16 in Seoul and Busan, bringing together 42 organizations and 55 listed companies. Authorities plan to make the inaugural event an annual showcase for Korea’s capital market.
At the opening in Seoul, FSC Chairman Lee Eog-weon said the program would explain changes ranging from Commercial Act revisions to measures strengthening market order and shareholder-friendly corporate policies.
“We will hold Korea Premium Week regularly and develop it into Korea’s flagship global IR (investor relations) brand that comes to mind when people think of the Korean capital market,” Lee said.
President Lee Jae Myung, in a video message, pledged comprehensive institutional reforms to turn the “Korea discount” into the “Korea premium.”
“Capital markets are more than simply places for trading. They are a key engine for unlocking a country’s growth potential and injecting vitality into future innovative industries,” the president said.
Stronger fundamentals, less leverage
Alongside the investor outreach, financial authorities outlined plans to curb risks from leveraged investment products, credit provision and margin trading.
Byun Je-ho, director general of the FSC’s Capital Markets Bureau, said the combination of semiconductor concentration and increased leverage had heightened market volatility.
“Going forward, the market needs to grow based on corporate earnings and investor capital, not the power of leverage,” Byun said.
Authorities also plan to strengthen market stabilization measures, address high-frequency trading that could amplify volatility and crack down on indiscriminate investment recommendations by financial influencers.
To encourage longer-term investment, the government plans to launch a “My Child Independence Fund” next year and introduce a productive-finance individual savings account. It also intends to establish “Kosdaq Select” to attract institutional investors, while removing unviable companies from the market.
Global investors look beyond rally
Kevin Sneader, president of Asia Pacific ex-Japan at Goldman Sachs, said the Kospi’s rise above 7,000 points reflected strong corporate earnings and Korea’s growing integration with global capital markets.
The index has gained more than 60 percent this year, while Korea’s stock market has become the world’s eighth-largest by capitalization.
Sneader identified market access and operational resilience as priorities, citing the won internationalization road map, foreign exchange reforms and stronger clearing and settlement infrastructure. He also welcomed Korea’s inclusion in the FTSE World Government Bond Index and urged continued structural reforms to improve corporate value.
Joud Abdel Majeid, co-head of the Global Partners Office at BlackRock, said long-term capital flows depend on trust, with investors assessing liquidity, governance, market infrastructure and investor protection.
Abdel Majeid highlighted the Corporate Value-up Program, Commercial Act revisions and reforms including 24-hour foreign exchange trading, expanded omnibus accounts and increased English-language disclosures.
“For long-term investors, confidence is built not only through reforms and policy but through consistent implementation, predictability, continuity and execution,” Abdel Majeid said.
Abdel Majeid added that BlackRock has “deep confidence” in Korea’s future and wants to remain a long-term partner.
By Choi Yeon-jae (ch0221@heraldcorp.com)
