# MSCI says it needs to see South Korea’s regulatory changes put into practice for market upgrade

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/msci-says-it-needs-to-see-south-koreas-regulatory-changes-put-into-practice-for-market-upgrade/
- Published: 2026-11-06T02:19:45+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T03:38:42+00:00
- Original publisher: CNA (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/msci-says-it-needs-see-south-koreas-regulatory-changes-put-practice-market-upgrade-6529786
- Topics: Asia, World

## Key points

- MSCI wants South Korea’s reforms proven in practice before an upgrade.
- The won’s offshore trading remains a concern.
- Investors need time to assess whether changes will last.

## Summary

MSCI chief executive Henry Fernandez said South Korea must show that its regulatory reforms work in practice before the country can be upgraded from emerging-market to developed-market status. The upgrade is a major pledge of President Lee Jae Myung’s government and could raise the profile of South Korean shares among global investors.

Fernandez pointed to the won’s limited offshore spot trading as an unresolved issue, despite South Korea opening its currency market to 24-hour trading in July. The government has also introduced market and tax reforms, while regulators are considering wider English-language company filings and measures to encourage dividends. In June, MSCI recognised the reforms but said investors needed time to assess their lasting impact.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.