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09 July 2026

Taiwan regulator signals no immediate plan to extend equity trading hours

  • On 8 July 2026, Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) Chairman Peng Chin-lung stated that extending trading hours for the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) is not currently a regulatory priority and the proposal would require extensive consultation and broad market consensus before any further action is considered.
  • Recent discussions were prompted by the TWSE's indication that Taiwan might assess whether longer trading hours could strengthen the competitiveness of its capital markets, particularly given that the TWSE has a shorter trading day than many major Asian and Western exchanges.
  • The FSC's latest remarks substantially lower expectations of near-term implementation.
  • Businesses and foreign investors should not expect immediate changes and should view the discussion as a long-term policy study rather than an active market reform initiative.
 

Executive summary

Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) Chairman Peng Chin-lung stated on 8 July 2026 that extending trading hours at the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) is not currently a regulatory priority, no implementation timetable exists and the proposal to extend trading hours would require extensive consultation and broad market consensus before any further action is considered.

Recent discussions regarding a potential extension of Taiwan's equity trading hours have attracted market attention following comments from TWSE Chairman Sherman Lin that the topic may be studied as part of future market development initiatives. (The TWSE has a short trading day (4.5 hours) compared to most Asian and Western exchanges. For example, core trading hours on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (which is one hour ahead of Taiwan) = 5.5 hours (9am to 3:30pm with one hour lunch break), on the New York Stock Exchange = 6.5 hours and on the London Stock Exchange = 8.5 hours.)

Based on the FSC Chairman's statement, foreign investors should view the discussion as a long-term policy study rather than an active market reform initiative, with no immediate impact expected on trading, custody or settlement operations.

Detailed discussion

Earlier discussions were prompted by the TWSE's indication that Taiwan might assess whether longer trading hours could strengthen the competitiveness of its capital markets, particularly as other exchanges continue to modernize their market infrastructure.

Nevertheless, the FSC has subsequently adopted a notably cautious stance. During a Legislative Yuan hearing, Chairman Peng emphasized that extending trading hours would constitute a significant market reform affecting investors, brokers, custodians and other market participants. He stated that there is currently no timetable and that the issue is not among the regulator's immediate priorities.

The FSC further stressed that any future changes would require comprehensive evaluation and broad market consensus before moving forward. In practical terms, the regulator's latest comments suggest that no near-term policy action should be expected.

Implications for foreign investors

Based on the FSC's latest position, foreign institutional investors (FINIs) are unlikely to face any immediate changes to:

  • Trading hours
  • FINI operating procedures
  • Custody service arrangements
  • Settlement processes
  • Existing market access frameworks

Though market modernization discussions may continue, Taiwan's current regulatory focus appears to remain on maintaining market stability rather than pursuing trading-hour reform in the near term.

Despite that the TWSE has indicated an interest in studying international market practices, the FSC's latest remarks substantially lower expectations of near-term implementation. Trading-hour reform appears to remain at a preliminary discussion stage and would likely require extensive market consultation before progressing further.

Accordingly, no immediate impact is expected on foreign investor trading, custody, settlement or compliance arrangements.

* * * * * * * * * *
Contact Information

For additional information concerning this Alert, please contact:

Ernst & Young (Taiwan), Taipei

Ernst & Young LLP (United States), Taiwan Tax Desk, New York

Ernst & Young LLP (United States), Asia Pacific Business Group, New York

Published by NTD’s Tax Technical Knowledge Services group; Carolyn Wright, legal editor

Document ID: 2026-1454

 
 

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