NEW YORK & LONDON — February 8, 2026
Executive Summary
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE) has announced the launch of FTSE® South Korea RIC Capped Index Futures, a new equity index derivatives contract designed to provide international market participants with regulated, USD-denominated access to South Korean equity exposure. The contract, which has received approval from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, was developed in collaboration with FTSE Russell and Korea Exchange Inc. and is listed on ICE’s global futures platform under the contract code SKO. According to the company, the new futures contract combines FTSE Russell’s RIC-capped index methodology with ICE’s globally traded futures infrastructure and KRX’s market expertise. ICE stated that the product is intended to support portfolio management, risk management, and capital efficiency for international investors, including U.S.-based market participants, seeking consistent exposure to South Korea’s equity market.
Announcement Overview
Intercontinental Exchange announced the official launch of FTSE® South Korea RIC Capped Index Futures, expanding its equity index derivatives offering and extending regulated access to one of Asia’s largest and most actively traded equity markets. The company confirmed that the new futures contract is CFTC-approved and available for trading on ICE’s futures platform, allowing participation by U.S.-based and international market participants.
According to ICE, the contract was developed in alignment with FTSE Russell and Korea Exchange Inc., combining three distinct components: FTSE Russell’s RIC-capped index methodology, KRX’s market knowledge and index input, and ICE’s futures trading and clearing infrastructure. ICE stated that this structure was designed to address regulatory alignment requirements while limiting single-name concentration within the index composition.
The company indicated that the launch supports its broader strategy of expanding its index futures suite with products that provide transparent, regulated, and capital-efficient access to global equity markets. ICE also noted that the contract can be traded directly by U.S. market participants and is denominated in U.S. dollars.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement type: Exchange product launch
- Product launched: FTSE® South Korea RIC Capped Index Futures
- Contract code: SKO
- Asset class: Equity index derivatives
- Underlying index: FTSE® South Korea RIC Capped Index
- Methodology: FTSE Russell RIC-capped methodology limiting single-name concentration
- Currency denomination: U.S. dollars (USD)
- Regulatory status: Approved by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission
- Trading venue: ICE futures platform
- Eligible participants: International investors and U.S.-based market participants
- Partner organizations: FTSE Russell, Korea Exchange Inc.
- Market focus: South Korean equity market exposure
- Product suite inclusion: ICE Index futures suite
- Margin treatment: Eligible for margin offsets with ICE U.S. Equity Index futures
- Purpose: Portfolio management, risk management, and capital efficiency
- Geographic relevance: Global, with specific access to South Korea equities
- Announcement date: February 8, 2026
Product Structure and Contract Design
According to ICE, the FTSE® South Korea RIC Capped Index Futures contract was designed to reflect regulatory and structural considerations relevant to global investors. The contract applies FTSE Russell’s RIC-capped methodology, which limits single-issuer concentration within the index to support regulatory alignment and diversification objectives.
ICE stated that the index methodology was developed to ensure consistency and investability while aligning with regulatory frameworks applicable to derivatives products traded by international participants. By incorporating this methodology into a futures contract, ICE indicated that it aims to provide a standardized and transparent mechanism for accessing South Korean equity exposure.
The company confirmed that the contract is USD-denominated, which ICE stated may simplify participation for international investors who manage portfolios primarily in U.S. dollars. ICE also noted that the contract is listed within its established futures ecosystem, allowing participants to utilize existing connectivity, clearing arrangements, and risk management infrastructure.
Collaboration With FTSE Russell and Korea Exchange
ICE stated that the launch reflects collaboration among ICE, FTSE Russell, and Korea Exchange Inc. According to the company, FTSE Russell contributed the RIC-capped index methodology, which has been developed to address regulatory alignment and concentration limits. Korea Exchange Inc. contributed market expertise related to South Korean equities, while ICE provided the trading, clearing, and distribution infrastructure.
The company indicated that this three-party collaboration was structured to align global benchmark design with local market expertise and international futures trading standards. ICE stated that the result is a futures product designed to provide consistent exposure to South Korean equities across jurisdictions.
According to ICE, the partnership with FTSE Russell builds on its existing relationship covering FTSE® index derivatives, while the involvement of KRX reflects ongoing cooperation with local market operators.
Regulatory Framework and Market Access
ICE confirmed that the FTSE® South Korea RIC Capped Index Futures contract has been approved by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. According to the company, CFTC approval enables U.S.-based market participants to trade the contract directly on ICE’s futures platform.
The company stated that regulatory approval was a key component of the product’s design, ensuring that the contract meets applicable regulatory standards for futures trading in the United States. ICE indicated that the product’s regulatory status is intended to support broad participation by institutional investors, proprietary trading firms, and other eligible market participants.
ICE also noted that the contract is designed to provide consistent access to the South Korean equity market for international investors operating under different regulatory regimes, using a standardized futures instrument.
Portfolio and Risk Management Applications
According to ICE, the FTSE® South Korea RIC Capped Index Futures contract is intended to support portfolio and risk management needs for investors with exposure to Asian or emerging market equities. ICE stated that the futures contract enables investors to gain or hedge exposure to South Korean equities using a regulated, exchange-traded derivative.
The company indicated that the product may be used in conjunction with other ICE equity index futures, allowing participants to manage regional and global equity exposures within a single clearing framework. ICE also stated that margin offsets are available across ICE’s U.S. Equity Index futures, which may support capital efficiency for participants managing multi-asset portfolios.
ICE emphasized that the product’s inclusion within its broader index futures suite allows market participants to integrate the contract into existing trading and risk management strategies.
Integration With ICE’s FTSE® Index Derivatives Franchise
ICE stated that the launch of FTSE® South Korea RIC Capped Index Futures enhances its existing FTSE® index derivatives franchise. According to the company, this franchise includes futures and options on major U.K. equity benchmarks such as the FTSE® 100 Index, FTSE® 250 Index, and FTSE® 100 Dividend futures.
The company indicated that by expanding its FTSE® derivatives offering to include South Korean equity exposure, ICE is extending its geographic coverage and product breadth. ICE stated that the addition of the new contract aligns with its strategy of offering a comprehensive suite of index derivatives that support global equity risk management.
ICE also noted that participants trading FTSE® Korea futures on ICE may benefit from margin offsets across ICE’s U.S. Equity Index futures, which the company stated can improve overall capital utilization.
Statements From ICE Leadership
“By partnering with FTSE Russell and KRX, we are introducing a CFTC approved futures contract designed to expand global access to the Korean equity market,” said Caterina Caramaschi, Vice President of Financial Derivatives at ICE. “This new product reflects ICE’s continued focus on creating transparent, efficient markets for our customers, supported by deep liquidity across our international suite of equity index derivatives.”
ICE stated that the leadership commentary reflects its focus on expanding access to global equity markets through regulated futures products and collaborative partnerships.
Statements From FTSE Russell
“This launch underscores FTSE Russell’s commitment to delivering robust, investable benchmarks that support efficient global market access,” said Jan Thorwirth, Head of Asia Derivatives and Partnerships at FTSE Russell. “By combining our RIC-capped index methodology with ICE’s global futures platform, and in partnership with KRX, we are enabling international investors to manage South Korea equity exposure with greater transparency, consistency and capital efficiency.”
ICE noted that FTSE Russell’s statement emphasizes the role of benchmark design and index methodology in supporting global derivatives markets.
Market Positioning and Investor Access
According to ICE, South Korea represents a significant equity market within Asia, with global investor interest driven by the country’s industrial base, export economy, and market liquidity. ICE stated that the FTSE® South Korea RIC Capped Index Futures contract is designed to provide a standardized mechanism for accessing this market through a futures instrument traded on a global exchange.
The company indicated that international investors may use the contract to express directional views, hedge existing exposures, or manage regional equity allocations. ICE also stated that the product’s USD denomination and CFTC approval are intended to support participation by a broad range of market participants.
ICE emphasized that the contract is designed to provide consistent and efficient exposure rather than replicate local market instruments.
Operational and Trading Considerations
ICE stated that the FTSE® South Korea RIC Capped Index Futures contract is supported by its existing trading and clearing infrastructure. According to the company, participants may access the contract using established connectivity and clearing arrangements already in place for ICE futures products.
The company indicated that trading, clearing, and margining are integrated into ICE’s existing systems, allowing participants to manage risk and capital across multiple products within a single clearing framework. ICE also noted that the contract’s inclusion within its index futures suite supports operational efficiency for participants active across multiple equity index markets.
Information and Market Resources
ICE stated that additional information regarding the FTSE® South Korea RIC Capped Index Futures contract is available through its equity derivatives resources. According to the company, market participants may contact ICE directly for contract specifications, trading details, and operational guidance.
ICE also indicated that information related to Key Information Documents under applicable European regulations is available on relevant exchange websites where required.
About Intercontinental Exchange
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. is a Fortune 500 company founded in 2000 that designs, builds, and operates digital networks connecting people to opportunity. The company provides financial technology and data services across major asset classes, supporting trading, risk management, and capital formation globally.
ICE operates futures, equity, and options exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange, and owns clearing houses that support the trading and clearing of financial and commodity products. The company operates some of the world’s largest markets for energy and environmental products and provides fixed income data services, analytics, and execution capabilities.
ICE’s technology and data services support customers across financial markets, including institutional investors, corporations, and intermediaries. Through ICE Mortgage Technology, the company provides digital solutions supporting the U.S. housing finance lifecycle, from consumer engagement through loan origination, closing, registration, and servicing.
Intercontinental Exchange is headquartered in the United States and operates globally, with offices and operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ICE.
Media Contacts
ICE Media Contact
Jess Tatham
+44 7377 947136
ICE Investor Contact
Steve Eagerton
+1 904 571 0530
Source Attribution
Source: Company Announcement