[Smart Finance Awards] Korea Investment & Securities Breaks Investment Barriers with 'Ministock'

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] Korea Investment & Securities won the Best Customer-Friendly Award in the securities app (MTS) category at the ‘2021 Asia Smart Finance Awards’.

The mobile app service ‘Ministock,’ which allows 24-hour overseas stock investment in units of 1,000 KRW, received high praise. This service enables stock orders to be placed in monetary units rather than the traditional quantity units (1 share). Even stocks worth several million KRW can be invested in starting from 1,000 KRW in Korean won without currency exchange.

The strength lies in lowering the investment entry barrier for individual investors. Beginners in stock investment can trade stocks in the amount they desire, contributing to the activation of overseas stock investment among individual investors and the expansion of a healthy investment base. Large-cap blue-chip stocks in overseas markets often have prices ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of KRW, which creates an entry barrier for individual investors. Those with smaller investment amounts either cannot invest in large-cap blue-chip stocks or tend to concentrate their investments on specific stocks, exposing themselves to relatively higher investment risks.

Additionally, by using this service, investors can easily invest in Korean won starting from 1,000 KRW 24 hours a day without currency exchange. It also allows for diversified investment with small amounts.

Korea Investment & Securities explained, "Rather than short-term investment based on market timing, this service encourages installment-based portfolio investment focused on blue-chip stocks, resulting in the expansion of sound investments with relatively lower risks and enhanced investor protection."