Press Releases - Financial Services Commission

Press Releases

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Oct 15, 2026

Household Loans, September 2026

In September 2026, the outstanding balance of household loans across all financial sectors dropped KRW2.2 trillion (preliminary), edging down for the first time since December 2025 (down KRW1.2 trillion). (By Type) Home-backed mortgage loans went up KRW3.3 trillion, growing at a slower pace compared with the previous month (up KRW4.3 trillion). Banks (up KRW4.1 trillion up KRW2.9 trillion) saw a slower pace of mortgage loan growth, while nonbanks (up KRW0.2 trillion up KRW0.4 trillion) saw a somewhat faster pace of mortgage loan growth. Other types of loans dropped KRW5.5 trillion, declining at a considerably faster pace from the previous month (down KRW1.5 trillion) with credit loans falling more rapidly (down KRW0.4 trillion down KRW3.0 trillion). (By Sector) In September 2026, household loans in the banking sector went up KRW0.6 trillion, growing at a notably slower pace compared with the previous month (up KRW3.5 trillion). Banks own mortgage loans (up KRW2.9 trillion up KRW1.8 trillion) increased at a slower pace, while policy-based mortgage loans (up KRW1.1 trillion up KRW1.1 trillion) maintained the same level of growth and other types of loans (down KRW0.6 trillion down KRW2.3 trillion) fell at a faster pace compared with the previous month. In the nonbanking sector, household loans dropped KRW2.8 trillion, falling at a faster pace from the previous month (down KRW0.7 trillion). Mutual finance businesses (down KRW0.4 trillion down KRW0.7 trillion), insurance companies (down KRW0.3 trillion down KRW0.8 trillion), and specialized credit finance businesses (down KRW0.3 trillion down KRW0.9 trillion) saw household loans declining more rapidly, while savings banks (up KRW0.3 trillion down KRW0.4 trillion) saw household loans edging back lower from a growth seen in the previous month. (Assessment) In September 2026, the outstanding balance of household loans across all financial sectors saw a net decrease (down KRW2.2 trillion) for the first time this year as mort
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Oct 01, 2026

KoFIU Unveils H1 2026 Survey Result on Virtual Asset Service Providers

The Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (KoFIU) and the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) conducted a survey on 26 registered virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to assess the current state of the domestic virtual asset market and keep relevant statistics up to date. Survey Overview (Respondents) 26 VASPs (17 exchange service providers and 9 custody and wallet service providers) (Survey Method) Data collected from VASPs (Period Covered) January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026 Key Survey Findings for H1 2026 In the first half of 2026, domestic virtual asset exchange service providers saw drops in market capitalization (down KRW28.3 trillion or 33%), average daily trading volume (down KRW2.3 trillion or 44%), and total amount of deposits in KRW (down KRW2.9 trillion or 35%). The maximum drawdown ratio was 69 percent, which stood at a higher level in comparison to domestic stock market indices (55.1 percent for KOSPI and 31.8 percent for KOSDAQ) over the same period. With KRW-based exchange service providers continuing to dominate the market, the market capitalization of coin-only exchange service providers stood at only 0.6 percent of the total market capitalization. Both KRW-based exchange service providers and coin-only exchange service providers saw drops in average daily trading volume (down KRW2.3 trillion or 44 percent and down KRW450 million or 55 percent, respectively). The monthly turnover ratio also showed a significant gap in transactions volumes between KRW-based exchange service providers (100 to 201 percent) and coin-only exchange service providers (2 to 9 percent). In the first half of 2026, there were 673 different types of virtual assets in circulation excluding the ones cross-listed on multiple exchanges, a drop of 5 percent from 712 at the end of 2025. There were 234 different types of exclusively listed virtual assets whose market capitalization stood at KRW0.6 trillion, which constituted one percent of the total market capitalization (KRW58.9 trillio
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Sep 09, 2026

Household Loans, August 2026

In August 2026, the outstanding balance of household loans across all financial sectors increased KRW2.6 trillion (preliminary), growing at a slower pace compared with the previous month (up KRW6.4 trillion). (By Type) Home-backed mortgage loans increased KRW4.3 trillion, which showed a slowing down from the previous month (up KRW3.6 trillion). Banks (up KRW3.5 trillion up KRW4.0 trillion) and nonbanks (up KRW0.1 trillion up KRW0.3 trillion) both saw the pace of growth accelerating. Other types of loans edged down KRW1.7 trillion, shifting back down from a growth of KRW2.8 trillion in the previous month with credit loans falling KRW0.5 trillion from an increase of KRW2.1 trillion a month ago. (By Sector) In August 2026, household loans in the banking sector went up KRW3.4 trillion, growing at a slower pace from the previous month (up KRW5.5 trillion). Banks own mortgage loans (up KRW2.5 trillion up KRW2.9 trillion) and policy-based mortgage loans (up KRW1.0 trillion up KRW1.1 trillion) both edged up at faster rates, while other types of loans shifted back down from the previous months growth (up KRW2.0 trillion down KRW0.6 trillion). The nonbanking sector saw household loans declining KRW0.8 trillion, turning back lower from a growth of KRW0.9 trillion in the previous month. Mutual finance businesses (down KRW0.6 trillion down KRW0.5 trillion) saw the pace of decline slowing down, while savings banks (up KRW0.5 trillion up KRW0.3 trillion) saw the pace of growth decelerating. Insurance businesses (up KRW0.7 trillion down KRW0.3 trillion) and specialized credit finance businesses (up KRW0.3 trillion down KRW0.3 trillion) saw household loans shifting back down from increases seen in the previous month. (Assessment) In August 2026, mortgage loans (up KRW3.6 trillion up KRW4.3 trillion) expanded at a faster pace from the previous month as the previously increased volume of housing transactions for new housing occupants in July and August appears to have pushed up the vo
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Aug 20, 2026

Capital Markets Rules Change on Merger Value Expected to Boost Fairness and Prevent Price Distortion

The Financial Services Commission (the FSC) announced that the National Assembly passed a proposed amendment to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (the FSCMA) at the plenary session held on August 20, which alters the method for calculating merger value of listed companies. Under the current FSCMA and its subordinate statutes, the merger price between listed companies and their affiliates is determined based on the market value approach which has led controlling shareholders who want to set more favorable merger conditions to intentionally choose the time of merger process when the market value of the affiliates stays below its fair value, thereby suppressing the stock price of the affiliates. In this regard, the Proposed Amendment will make changes to the valuation standard for mergers from the market share price to a fair value evaluation, bolstering the procedural mechanisms intended to ensure fairness in corporate restructuring activities. Key Revision Details Introducing fair value approach Firstly, under the Proposed Amendment, when a listed company enters into a merger, a spin-off or split and merger, an acquisition or transfer of a significant business or asset, and a comprehensive share exchange or transfer (each, a Subject MA Transaction), it must calculate the transaction value based on a fair value calculated by comprehensively taking into account the share price, asset value, earning values, etc. This fair value approach also applies into the purchase price for dissenting shareholders appraisal rights. Strengthening procedural mechanisms Secondly, the board of directors of a listed company must prepare and disclose the aforementioned written opinion for the purpose and expected effect of a Subject MA Transaction, and the appropriateness of the merger price. Also, the company must undergo an evaluation by an external appraiser regarding matters such as the value of a Subject MA Transaction, the appropriateness of conditions of the
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Aug 14, 2026

Household Loans, July 2026

In July 2026, the outstanding balance of household loans across all financial sectors increased KRW6.2 trillion (preliminary), rising at a slower pace compared with the previous month (up KRW8.3 trillion). (By Type) Home-backed mortgage loans increased KRW3.5 trillion, growing at a slower pace compared with the previous month (up KRW4.5 trillion). Banks (up KRW4.3 trillion up KRW3.4 trillion) and nonbanks (up KRW0.3 trillion up KRW0.1 trillion) both saw the pace of growth decelerating. Other types of loans edged up KRW2.7 trillion, rising at a slower pace compared the previous month (up KRW3.8 trillion) with credit loans growing at a slower level (up KRW2.6 trillion up KRW2.0 trillion). (By Sector) In July 2026, household loans in the banking sector rose KRW5.4 trillion, slowing down from the growth of KRW7.6 trillion in the previous month. Banks own mortgage loans (up KRW2.9 trillion up KRW2.5 trillion) and policy-based mortgage loans (up KRW1.4 trillion up KRW0.9 trillion) both edged up at slower rates. Other types of loans (up KRW3.3 trillion up KRW2.0 trillion) also decelerated. In the nonbanking sector, household loans rose KRW0.8 trillion, growing at a similar level seen in the previous month (up KRW0.8 trillion). Mutual finance businesses (up KRW0.2 trillion down KRW0.7 trillion) saw the pace of growth turning back lower, while savings banks (down KRW0.2 trillion up KRW0.5 trillion) and specialized credit finance businesses (down KRW0.2 trillion up KRW0.3 trillion) saw the pace of growth shifting back higher. Insurance companies (up KRW1.1 trillion up KRW0.7 trillion) saw the pace of growth decelerating. (Assessment) In July 2026, the pace of household loan growth for home-backed mortgage loans (up KRW4.5 trillion up KRW3.5 trillion) and other types of loans (up KRW3.8 trillion up KRW2.7 trillion) slowed down due to the effects of self-regulatory and voluntary management measures implemented by financial companies. However, since there are expectations that h
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Jul 31, 2026

FSC Identifies D-SIBs and D-SIFIs for 2027

The Financial Services Commission identified five banks and five bank holding companies (BHCs) as domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs) and domestic systemically important financial institutions (D-SIFIs) for 2027 at the 14th regular meeting held on July 31. Those selected for 2027 are same as the previous years list of selectionShinhan Financial Group, KB Financial Group, Hana Financial Group, Woori Financial Group, NH Financial Group, Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank, KB Bank, Hana Bank, and NH Bank. The FSC identifies D-SIBs every year in accordance with the assessment criteria recommended by the Financial Stability Board (FSB) and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) and requires D-SIBs to set aside an additional common equity capital of 1.0 percent. Since 2021, the FSC also identifies domestic systemically important financial institutions (D-SIFIs) pursuant to the Act on the Structural Improvement of the Financial Industry. Those selected as D-SIFIs are required to have their own recovery plans and the resolution plans prepared by the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC) approved by the FSC every year. The D-SIFIs selected for 2027 have been notified of the result and will be required to prepare and submit their own recovery plans to the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) within three months from the day of being designated as D-SIFI. Those identified as D-SIBs are required to set aside an additional common equity capital of 1.0 percent. However, since there is no change in the list of D-SIBs selected for 2027 from the previous year, there will be no actual increase in capital ratio required from them. * Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 30, 2026

FSC Proposes Revised Rules under FSCMA for Introducing Preliminary Book Building and Cornerstone Investor

The Financial Services Commission introduced a revision proposal for the Enforcement Decree of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (FSCMA) and subordinate regulation on the issuance of securities and disclosure on July 30. The proposed rules change is intended to establish specific details regarding the introduction of preliminary book building and cornerstone investor under the revised FSCMA, which is expected to go into effect from November 13, 2026. Preliminary book building allows bookrunners to survey market demand before a price band for IPO is determined through the disclosure of a securities registration statement. Allowing preliminary book building will help to more accurately reflect market demand and arrive at a more optimal price in IPO valuation. The cornerstone investor system allows the pre-allocation of shares from the portion of IPO shares allocated for institutional investors to those who have agreed to a lockup of at least six months. Introducing the cornerstone investor system will help to foment investor confidence in the IPO market by ensuring a steady engagement of institutional investors in advance for the medium- to long-term, while effectively addressing the problem of excessive price declines in publicly offered shares shortly after their IPOs. Key Details a) Preliminary book building (Eligibility) The asset requirement for institutional investors qualified to take part in preliminary book building will be set at KRW30 billion or more in entrusted assets for private equity funds and discretionary investment business entities. At the same time, they will be required to have a minimum level of capacity for carrying out corporate valuation and for handling the internal management of undisclosed information. (Process) After preparing an IPO due diligence report, IPO lead managers will be able to provide relevant information (which will be disclosed in a securities registration statement at a later date) to qualified insti
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Jul 28, 2026

FSC and KRX Introduce Draft Standards for Publishing List of Companies with Low Price-to-Book Ratios

The Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange introduced a draft of detailed standards for the listing up (naming and shaming) of companies that have low price-to-book ratios on July 28. This is part of a broader set of measures introduced earlier in March this year that are intended to bring about fundamental improvements to the Korean capital markets. Under the naming and shaming policy, low PBR companies that are making no particular effort to improve shareholder value and are instead leaving their stock prices depressed and pinned at low levels will be listed up for publication. Key Details Listing up low PBR companies Based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS), which is widely adopted for stock indexes around the world, companies in 11 key economic sectors and sub-industry groups will be ranked in the order of high to low PBRs. The listing up of stock companies in the order of high to low PBRs will take place twice yearly (on the first trading day of May and November every year). In the KOSPI market, companies that fall in the bottom 25 percent for three straight years (six consecutive times) will be listed up for publication. In the KOSDAQ market, companies that fall in the bottom 10 percent for three straight years (six consecutive times) will be listed up for publication. An exemption will be granted to companies that disclose their corporate value enhancement plans (including specific plans to improve their PBRs) to allow them to stay away from the list of low PBR companies for one year (two consecutive times). This exemption will not be provided to companies that fall under the bottom 25 percent (bottom 10 percent for KOSDAQ companies) for six straight years (12 consecutive times) even if they disclose corporate value enhancement plans. According to a brief simulation conducted by the KRX, the number of companies that are expected to go on the list of low PBR companies (as of May 2026) will range between 120 (80 KOSPI and 40 KOS
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Jul 15, 2026

Rules Change Proposed to Enable Loss Refund from Voice Phishing Scams Involving Virtual Assets

The Financial Services Commission introduced a revision proposal regarding the Enforcement Decree of the Special Act on the Prevention of Loss Caused by Telecommunications-based Financial Fraud and Refund for Loss (the Act hereinafter) on July 15. The use of virtual assets in telecommunications-based financial frauds, such as voice phishing (vishing) scams, has been on the rise recently. However, under the current legal framework, virtual assets are not included as a type of assets qualified for receiving vishing-related damage and loss relief. In this regard, a revision to the Act was approved in March this year to include virtual assets as a type of assets qualified for receiving vishing-related damage and loss relief, and this revision proposal for the Enforcement Decree provides further details as a follow-up to the amended Act. Key Revision Details First, the revised Enforcement Decree will provide specific criteria on the method of loss refund and how the amount of loss refund is calculated. Unlike money, virtual assets carry different values attached to them, which makes it necessary to establish specific standards on the method of refund for stolen assets. In this regard, if the type of asset that was stolen is money, the refund being made will be in monetary unit. If the type of stolen asset is a virtual asset, the refund being made will be in the same type of virtual asset in the same quantity. If there is a discrepancy between the type of asset that was stolen in the first place and the type of asset that is shown on the account that was used in the fraudulent activity, the refund being made will be in the form of asset that is shown on the account that was used in the fraudulent activity at the time of the freeze of account taking effect. In the case that there is a mixture of assets qualified for loss refund, the portion of money that was stolen will be paid out in monetary value and the portion of stolen virtual assets will be paid out in market value
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Jul 09, 2026

Household Loans, June 2026

In June 2026, the outstanding balance of household loans across all financial sectors increased KRW8.3 trillion (preliminary), growing at a slower pace compared with the previous month (up KRW9.3 trillion). (By Type) Home-backed mortgage loans grew KRW4.5 trillion, rising at a slightly faster pace compared with the previous month (up KRW4.0 trillion). Mortgage loans rose more rapidly in the banking sector (up KRW3.2 trillion up KRW4.3 trillion), while growing at a slower pace in the nonbanking sector (up KRW0.8 trillion up KRW0.3 trillion). Other types of loans grew KRW3.7 trillion, rising at a slower pace compared with the previous month (up KRW5.3 trillion), with credit loans (up KRW3.6 trillion up KRW2.6 trillion) edging up more slowly. (By Sector) In June 2026, household loans in the banking sector rose KRW7.6 trillion, growing more rapidly from the previous month (up KRW6.9 trillion). Banks own mortgage loans (up KRW2.1 trillion up KRW2.9 trillion) and policy-based mortgage loans (up KRW1.0 trillion up KRW1.4 trillion) edged up more rapidly, while other types of loans (up KRW3.7 trillion up KRW3.3 trillion) expanded at a slower pace. In the nonbanking sector, household loans went up KRW0.7 trillion, growing at a slower pace compared with the previous month (up KRW2.4 trillion). Mutual finance businesses (up KRW0.8 trillion up KRW0.1 trillion) saw household loans rising at a slower pace, while insurance companies (up KRW0.9 trillion up KRW1.0 trillion) saw a slight increase the pace of growth. Specialized credit finance businesses (up KRW0.6 trillion down KRW0.2 trillion) and savings banks (up KRW0.2 trillion down KRW0.3 trillion) saw household loans shifting back lower from the growth seen in the previous month. (Assessment) In June 2026, home-backed mortgage loans (up KRW4.0 trillion up KRW4.5 trillion) went up at a faster pace due to recent increases in housing transactions and group lending for apartment subscription. However, other types of loans (up KRW5.3
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Jul 08, 2026

ESG Disclosure to be Required from 2028 for KOSPI-listed Companies with KRW10 Trillion or More in Total Consolidated Assets

The Financial Services Commission announced that the government and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea held a consultative meeting and announced the final version of the roadmap for sustainability (ESG) disclosure on July 8. Background The FSC has been continuously working to establish rules on sustainability disclosure as a key policy agenda of this administration and has sought opinions from various stakeholders. Over the months, opinions and suggestions have been collected from institutional investors, non-governmental organizations, professional groups, industry groups, and businesses. In this regard, institutional investors asked for an expansion in the scope of disclosure entities considering the usefulness of sustainability disclosure data for investment purposes. In the meantime, there have been various proposals for revising the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (FSCMA) introduced at the National Assembly, which intend to require sustainability disclosure as part of the statutory disclosure of corporate business reports. In addition, uncertainty surrounding energy prices has risen recently amid the war in the Middle East. In this regard, effectively managing climate and energy risks has become an essential policy strategy to ensure sustainable growth for both the country and individual businesses. Against this backdrop, the government and the ruling party have agreed to upgrade the previously announced roadmap for sustainability disclosure to make the schedule more progressive and to operate a comprehensive support system to ensure the provision of adequate and effective assistance for businesses. Roadmap for Sustainability Disclosure a) Disclosure timetable and scope of entities The scope of disclosure entities will be expanded in stages to move up the previously announced timetable and make major KOSPI-listed companies subject to the sustainability disclosure duty. From 2028 (FY2027), KOSPI-listed companies with total consolidated as
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Jun 23, 2026

Capital Market Rules Change on Disclosure of Treasury Share Holding Status Expected to Boost Corporate Value

The Financial Services Commission announced that the government approved a revision bill for the Enforcement Decree of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (FSCMA) at the cabinet meeting held on June 23. The revised rules will strengthen requirements on the disclosure of listed companies treasury stock holding status and update relevant rules on the disposal of treasury stocks in line with the revised Commercial Act. Background The FSC had previously proposed capital market rules change on March 31 intended to promote the use of treasury shares by listed companies as a means to boost shareholder value in line with the mandatory cancellation of treasury shares promulgated under the revised Commercial Act. As a follow-up to the proposed rules change, the revision to the Enforcement Decree approved today expands the application of the duty to disclose the treasury share holding status and disposal plan to all listed companies that hold treasury shares. Previously, this disclosure requirement was in place only for the listed companies that hold one percent or more in treasury shares relative to the total volume of their stocks issued. In line with the updated rules under the Enforcement Decree, subordinate regulations and relevant corporate disclosure reporting standards will also be updated in time for implementation. Key Revision Details First, the scope of listed companies subject to the duty to disclose the treasury share holding status and disposal plan will be expanded. According to the revised Commercial Act, all companies should draw up their treasury share retention and disposal plans and have them approved at a shareholder meeting. As such, the revised Enforcement Decree expands the scope of listed companies subject to the duty to disclose the treasury share holding status and disposal plan to all listed companies that hold treasury shares from those that hold one percent or more in treasury shares in relation to the total volume of stocks
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Jun 11, 2026

Household Loans, May 2026

In May 2026, the outstanding balance of household loans across all financial sectors increased KRW9.3 trillion (preliminary), growing at a faster pace compared with the previous month (up KRW3.5 trillion). (By Type) Home-backed mortgage loans edged up KRW4.0 trillion, rising at a slower pace compared with the previous month (up KRW5.5 trillion). Mortgage loans rose more rapidly in the banking sector (up KRW2.7 trillion up KRW3.2 trillion), while growing at a slower pace in the nonbanking sector (up KRW2.8 trillion up KRW0.8 trillion). Other types of loans went up KRW5.3 trillion, edging back up rapidly from a decline of KRW2.0 trillion a month ago, with credit loans (down KRW0.9 trillion up KRW3.4 trillion) bouncing back up at rapidly. (By Sector) In May 2026, household loans in the banking sector rose KRW6.9 trillion, growing more rapidly from the previous month (up KRW2.1 trillion). Banks own mortgage loans (up KRW1.4 trillion up KRW2.1 trillion) increased at a faster pace, while policy-based mortgage loans (up KRW1.4 trillion up KRW1.1 trillion) grew at a slower pace. Other types of loans (up KRW3.7 trillion) turned back up from a drop of KRW0.6 trillion in the previous month. In the nonbanking sector, household loans went up KRW2.3 trillion, growing at a faster pace compared with the previous month (up KRW1.4 trillion). Mutual finance businesses (up KRW2.1 trillion up KRW0.7 trillion) saw household loans rising at a slower pace, while insurance companies (down KRW0.4 trillion up KRW0.9 trillion), specialized credit finance businesses (down KRW0.2 trillion up KRW0.6 trillion), and savings banks (down KRW0.02 trillion up KRW0.2 trillion) all saw household loans edging back higher from the previous month. (Assessment) In May 2026, home-backed mortgage loans (up KRW5.5 trillion up KRW4.0 trillion) went up at a slower pace despite recent increases in housing transactions and group lending for apartment subscription. However, other types of loans (down KRW2.0 trillion
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May 22, 2026

NICE Credit Information (NICE CI) Obtains Certificate to Operate in Vietnam from the State Bank of Vietnam

The Financial Services Commission announced on May 22 that the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) granted a Certificate of Eligibility for Providing Credit Information Services to NICE Credit Information (NICE CI), which is NICE Information Services local subsidiary in Vietnam, on May 20. NICE CI will become fourth credit information service provider in Vietnam along with PCB (Jul 2013), FCBV (Dec 2024), and KCI (Dec 2024), in order of the time of authorization granted. For Vietnam, Korea is the largest FDI originating country, the second largest tourist sending country, and the third largest bilateral trade partner. In terms of overseas presence, Korean financial companies have the second largest number of overseas establishments in Vietnam (54 as of May 2026), second only to the United States (68). Shown by the recent license obtainment of Korea Development Banks Hanoi branch (Jan 2026) and Industrial Bank of Korea Vietnam (Apr 2026), and NICE CI (May 2026), Korean financial companies have been expanding their presence in the Vietnamese market across diverse sectors. The SBVs granting of certificate to NICE CI this time took only 10 months from the time of application in July 2025. The speedy result can be seen as a successful outcome of the Korea-Vietnam summit meeting (Apr 22), the high-level financial meeting between FSC Chairman Lee Eog-weon and SBV Governor Pham Duc An (Apr 24), and constant efforts to strengthen communication and build local relationship by the private sector and overseas diplomatic channels. NICE CIs operation scheduled for H1 2027 in Vietnam will help to improve local financial companies risk management systems. Through this, NICE CI will also support Vietnam to strengthen its non-performing loan (NPL) management capacity. Equipped with advanced service tools and reliable credit information infrastructure, NICE CI will help to boost the credibility of Vietnams financial markets. Moreover, NICE CI plans to seek ways to help to improve financial ac
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May 20, 2026

Revised Rules on Whistleblower Reward and Strengthened Sanctions on Accounting Fraud to Take Effect from May 26

The Financial Services Commission announced that revision proposals for the Enforcement Decree of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (FSCMA) and the Act on External Audit of Stock Companies have been approved by the government at the cabinet meeting held on May 20. Key Revision Details a) Improving rules on whistleblower reward On February 25 this year, the FSC introduced a plan to overhaul the whistleblower reward program to strengthen incentives for insiders to report unfair trading and accounting fraud. The approved rules change today is a follow-up measure to this plan, abolishing all caps (KRW3 billion for unfair trading and KRW1 billion for accounting fraud) on whistleblower rewards. In this regard, authorities will also seek to update rules on subordinate regulations in line with the changes in relevant legislation. First, with the reward payout caps abolished, the method for calculating the amount of whistleblower reward will be linked to the amount of illicit gains or penalties (up to 30 percent), calibrated to the level of contribution made by whistleblowers for uncovering rule-breaking activities. This method will significantly increase the amount of rewards payable if the scale of unfair trading or accounting fraud is extensive, which will help to provide more incentives for insiders to report wrongdoings. Second, a whistleblowers reporting submitted to an authority other than the FSC or the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS)such as the National Police Agency or the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commissionwill also qualify for rewards as the establishment of an inter-agency consultative mechanism will ensure seamless referrals and information sharing between related authorities. Third, if the whistleblower is also an accomplice in unfair trading activities, reward payouts were not possible previously. However, under the revised rules, reward payouts will be made possible in part if the whistleblower did not coerce others to tak
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May 18, 2026

Household Loans, April 2026

In April 2026, the outstanding balance of household loans across all financial sectors increased KRW3.5 trillion (preliminary), growing at a similar pace compared with the previous month (up KRW3.5 trillion). (By Type) Home-backed mortgage loans rose KRW5.5 trillion, growing at a faster pace compared with the previous month (up KRW3.0 trillion). Mortgage loans in the banking sector (down KRW0.02 trillion up KRW2.7 trillion) edged back higher from a decline a month ago but expanded at a slower pace in the nonbanking sector (up KRW3.0 trillion up KRW2.8 trillion). Other types of loans dropped KRW2.0 trillion, edging back down from the increase of KRW0.5 trillion in the previous month with credit loans (down KRW0.2 trillion down KRW0.8 trillion) falling at a faster pace. (By Sector) In April 2026, household loans in the banking sector rose KRW2.2 trillion, growing at a faster pace from a month ago (up KRW0.5 trillion). Banks own mortgage loans (down KRW1.5 trillion up KRW1.3 trillion) edged back up, while policy-based mortgage loans (up KRW1.5 trillion up KRW1.4 trillion) grew at a slower pace. Other types of loans (down KRW0.6 trillion) shifted back lower from the growth of KRW0.5 trillion a month ago. In the nonbanking sector, household loans rose KRW1.3 trillion, growing at a slower pace compared with the previous month (up KRW3.1 trillion). Mutual finance businesses (up KRW2.8 trillion up KRW2.0 trillion) saw household loans growing at a slower pace, while savings banks (down KRW0.4 trillion down KRW0.02 trillion) saw household loans declining at a slower pace. Insurance companies (up KRW0.5 trillion down KRW0.4 trillion) and specialized credit finance businesses (up KRW0.1 trillion down KRW0.2 trillion) saw household loans edging back lower from the growth seen in the previous month. (Assessment) In April 2026, the outstanding balance of household loans (up KRW3.5 trillion up KRW3.5 trillion) expanded at a similar level compared with a month ago, despite a faster
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May 13, 2026

FSC Approves Revisions to KRX Listing Rules to Facilitate Effective Delisting of Unviable Companies

The Financial Services Commission approved a set of revision proposals to the Korea Exchange (KRX) listing regulations at the 9th regular meeting held on May 13. The FSCs approval today follows the previously announced plan (Feb. 12, 2026) to strengthen delisting rules to make the domestic stock markets more dynamic by facilitating a seamless entry of innovative companies and ensuring a swift and strict removal of unviable companies. Key Revision Details The revised KRX listing regulations will strengthen or newly introduce the following four key standards considered for delisting. First, the upward adjustment of market capitalization threshold for KOSPI-listed and KOSDAQ-listed companies, previously scheduled to take place from January 1, 2027 and January 1, 2028, with the market cap threshold rising to KRW30 billion and KRW50 billion for KOSPI-listed companies and to KRW20 billion and KRW30 billion for KOSDAQ-listed companies, respectively, will move up six months early each time. As a result, the market cap threshold for delisting will be raised from KRW20 billion currently to KRW30 billion for KOSPI-listed companies from July 1, 2026, and then to KRW50 billion from January 1, 2027. For KOSDAQ-listed companies, the market cap threshold for delisting will be raised from KRW15 billion currently to KRW20 billion from July 1, 2027, and then to KRW30 billion from January 1, 2027. Along this line, there have been also changes in specific standards and procedures to prevent the occurrence of temporary stock price pumps for avoiding delisting. Previously, companies went on the delisting watch list if they failed to stay above the market cap threshold for thirty consecutive trading days during a period of ninety trading days from the time of being designated on the watch list, but could avoid delisting if they were able to stay above the market cap threshold for ten consecutive trading days and thirty cumulative trading days during that time. However, this market cap requ
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Apr 26, 2026

FSC Chairman Visits India and Vietnam to Open Up New Opportunities and Bolster Financial Cooperation

Chairman Lee Eog-weon of the Financial Services Commission traveled to India and Vietnam to strengthen financial cooperation with the two countries on the sidelines of President Lee Jae Myungs state visits from April 19 to 25. During his trips, Chairman Lee had high-level bilateral meetings with government officials to promote the overseas expansion of Korean financial companies and facilitate their business operations in local markets, attended financial cooperation forums for the development of financial hubs and the integration of cross-border QR payments system, and held meetings with Korean financial companies and enterprises doing business in the two countries. Chairman Lees visit to the two rapidly growing countries underscores the Korean governments aim to bolster strategic cooperation with the two major partners in the region particularly in the areas of financial services. FSC Chairmans Visit to India India is emerging as a key economic partner of Korea with a population of over 1.4 billion, the fourth largest economy in the world, and an annual economic growth rate of about seven percent. However, financial cooperation between Korea and India has remained at an early stage. Thus, on the occasion of President Lee Jae Myungs state visit, the FSC has sought to lay foundations to strengthen bilateral financial cooperation with India. Meeting with Indias Minister of Finance FSC Chairman Lee met with Indias Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman on April 20 and had discussions on ways to bolster financial cooperation between the two countries. At the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on knowledge sharing and ways to enhance cooperation in the areas of fintech and the cross-border QR code payments system. The two leaders also had an in-depth discussion on ways to expand bilateral investments and strengthen cooperation in startups making use of Indias National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). The financial leaders of the two countries agreed to con
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Apr 21, 2026

Capital Market Rules Change Allowing the Introduction of Single-stock ETFs to Take Effect from April 28

The Financial Services Commission announced that revisions to the Enforcement Decree of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (FSCMA) allowing the introduction of single-stock exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have been approved by the government at the cabinet meeting held on April 21. The revised rules will upgrade the rules on the domestic ETF market and help to close the regulatory gap existing between the domestically listed ETFs and the overseas listed ETFs. The revised rules will be promulgated and become effective from April 28. Key Revision Details a) Allowing the introduction of single-stock ETFs (same rules to be applied on ETNs) In major overseas markets, such as the U.S. and Hong Kong, there are single-stock ETFs that are available for Korean investors to trade via the mobile applications of domestic securities firms. However, in the domestic market, introducing single-stock ETFs or single-stock ETNs has not been possible thus far due to the dispersed investment rule requiring ETFs to have at least ten underlying items with maximum 30 percent limit on each item. This has led to the problem of the domestic market environment not being able to sufficiently meetinvestors demands for diverse types of ETF investment. Against this backdrop, the FSC sought regulatory reforms to make domestic rules more consistent with global standards to facilitate more inflow of investments from overseas, while enhancing protections and convenience for investors to help prevent the outflow of investment capital. Under the revised rules, introducing single-stock ETFs tracking blue-chip stocks will be allowed in the domestic market, and the maximum level of exposure allowed will be restricted to 200 percent (2x leverage). The criteria for underlying stock items and product types will be prescribed under the subordinate rules as follows. Underlying stock items need to meet the following criteria(a) a minimum market cap ratio of 10 percent, (b) a minimum trading vo
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Apr 20, 2026

Financial Companies Will be Able to Use Cloud-based Software as a Service on Internal Network from April 20

The Financial Services Commission announced that financial companies and electronic financial service providers will be able to adopt and use cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) for various types of administrative and back office functions without the need to go through an approval process under the financial regulatory sandbox program from April 20. The revised rules on the supervision of electronic financial services went into effect on April 20, granting financial companies exemption to the network separation rule for the use of SaaS in their internal networks on the condition that they comply with certain security requirements. Key Revision Details First, SaaS programs specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Development of Cloud Computing and Protection of Its Users will be exempted from the network separation rule pursuant to the Electronic Financial Transactions Act and the supervisory regulation on electronic financial services. However, to prevent potential breaches of personal information, the exemption form the network separation rule will not apply to the handling of personal identification information or personal credit information. For the use of pseudonymized personal data in their SaaS programs, financial companies will still need to get an approval through the financial regulatory sandbox program. Second, with the granting of exemption from the network separation rule, financial companies will be required to maintain a more rigorous level of information protection control measures. More specifically, financial companies will need to (a) have their SaaS programs pre-screened by the Financial Security Institute (FSI), (b) maintain strict IT security protocols (certification, authorization, etc.) for access devices (computers and mobile devices), (c) have their compliance measures evaluated every six months and report finding to their chief information security officers (CISOs). To facilitate the adoption of various IT security and
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