07:49 PM EDT, 07/01/2026 (MT Newswires) -- South Korea's largest banks are expanding trading operations in Seoul and London ahead of the launch of 24-hour trading in the won next week, as they prepare to support round-the-clock foreign exchange activity, Bloomberg reported Wednesday.

Woori Bank has sent eight employees, including five traders, to its London office after securing UK regulatory approval, while Hana Bank added three FX dealers in Seoul and introduced a three-shift system for continuous market coverage.

The change is part of South Korea's efforts to improve foreign investor access and support its bid for inclusion in MSCI's developed-market index, Bloomberg said.

The expanded trading capabilities are expected to help banks manage overnight liquidity and serve clients outside Korean market hours, with Woori's newly expanded London trading center supporting won-related investments and hedging.