The firms said the approach is intended to help address the time difference between U.S. and South Korean exchanges while potentially improving settlement speed and simplifying cross-border investing. Kakao Pay Securities currently serves approximately 9 million stock accounts. "Kakao Pay Securities choosing Siebert as its U.S. partner is a strong validation of the financial infrastructure we are providing," said John J. Gebbia, Chief Executive Officer of Siebert Financial. "We want to build a global gateway for K-shares by combining Kakao Pay Securities' technology, content, and community capabilities with Siebert's access to the U.S.," said Simon Shin, Chief Executive Officer of Kakao Pay Securities. Founded in 1967, Siebert Financial provides brokerage, wealth management, investment banking and other financial services through a group of subsidiaries.