South Korea’s largest banks are hiring traders and reshuffling schedules in preparation for something the won has never done before: trade nearly 24 hours a day. The shift, set to go live on July 6, 2026, represents one of the most significant structural changes to Korea’s foreign exchange market in decades.
Hana Bank, Woori Bank, Shinhan Bank, and KB Kookmin Bank are all expanding their FX trading operations across Seoul and London.
Who’s hiring, and where
Hana Bank is adding three new FX traders to support a three-shift system that will keep its desks covered around the clock. Woori Bank is doubling its London team from two traders to four. Shinhan Bank is adding one trader in London, while KB Kookmin Bank is bringing on two additional staff.
London sits in a time zone that covers the gap between the Asian trading session’s end and the start of New York hours. Having bodies in chairs during those hours means Korean banks won’t have to rely on automated systems or skeleton crews during what has traditionally been their off-period.
