Korea Raises Single-Stock Leverage Deposit to ₩30 Million from July 31: What Investors Need to Know

Starting July 31, 2026, you'll need ₩30 million in cash just to open a new position in a single-stock leverage product in Korea. To cool an overheating market in leveraged ETFs and ETNs tied to single stocks such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, Korea's Financial Services Commission (FSC) has pulled its stronger deposit rules forward from August to July 31. Here's what changes, why, and who it affects.

What's changing — at a glance

Item	Before	From July 31
Basic deposit	₩10 million	₩30 million (cash)
Collateral securities	Stocks/ETFs/bonds counted up to 70% of value	Excluded (cash only)
Sale proceeds as cash	Counted same day	Only on T+2 (actual settlement)
Easing by experience	Allowed after 3 months	Not allowed (tightening only)

The rule applies to both domestically listed and overseas-listed single-stock leverage products. Loans taken out against sale proceeds are also excluded from the deposit calculation. (₩30 million is roughly US$21,000–22,000, depending on the exchange rate.)

Why it was moved up

Single-stock leverage products tracking names like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix were seen as amplifying market volatility. On July 16 the FSC suspended new listings of these products and restricted their advertising. Momentum then built toward faster action, and the deposit changes originally split across early and mid-August were consolidated to a single July 31 start date.

Cash recognition gets stricter, too

Previously, the day you sold a holding, that "pending cash" could immediately be recycled into another trade. Now, sale proceeds count as cash deposit only two business days later (T+2), once the money actually settles. The goal is to curb excessive churning — selling and instantly rebuying the same day. Note that once the stronger deposit takes effect, existing investors adding to a position must also meet the new requirement (though selling existing holdings is still allowed).

What comes next

• August 19: Brokers and asset managers face stronger responsibility for managing price–NAV divergence, and the process to designate "investment-caution" issues is shortened.
• Minimum trade unit: A plan to raise the minimum order size (to 20 shares) is being discussed for earlier rollout than the originally planned November.

What investors should keep in mind

Brokerages that don't finish the required system updates by July 31 may be advised to restrict new trades in these products. More importantly, single-stock leverage products magnify both gains and losses, making them high-risk instruments. Tighter rules are meant to protect investors, so understanding the product's structure and risks should come before any trade.

FAQ

Do I have to sell the single-stock leverage products I already hold?

No. You can still sell existing holdings even without ₩30 million in cash. The stronger requirement applies only when you buy new or add to a position.

Can I use stocks or ETFs I own as the deposit?

No. From July 31, collateral securities are excluded. You need ₩30 million in actual cash to open or add to a position.

Does this apply to overseas-listed single-stock leverage products?

Yes. The same deposit standard applies to both Korea-listed and overseas-listed products.

Can I reuse cash from a sale to buy again the same day?

Not anymore. Sale proceeds are recognized as cash only on T+2, so same-day sell-then-rebuy becomes difficult.

This article is based on the FSC's "Early Implementation of Strengthened Basic Deposit for Single-Stock Leverage Products" (July 24, 2026) and Korean press coverage (Hankyung, Herald, Asiae, etc.). It is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Details may change; confirm with the FSC and your brokerage before making any decision. (Last verified: July 2026.)