The Korea Stock Exchange is a division of the much larger Korea Exchange (KRX, or the Exchange). Previously, Korea's stock market was a standalone entity. In 2005, the Korea Stock Exchange merged with the Korea Futures Exchange and KOSDAQ to form KRX. The merger was aimed at providing more efficient and transparent capital markets in South Korea by consolidating all three exchanges under one roof.The decision to merge proved to be successful as KRX has become one of Asia's leading exchange groups. It is now home to some of the largest companies in South Korea such as Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor Company. The exchange offers a wide range of products including equities, derivatives, bonds, and commodities futures. It also provides trading platforms for both local and international investors.