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Jul 27, 2020
- FSC Announces Plans to Promote Digital Finance
- The FSC unveiled its plans to promote digital finance on July 24, focusing on improving regulations for the industry, ensuring strong protection for digital finance users, building foundations and infrastructure to facilitate large volumes of digital financial transactions and strengthening data security to ensure stability in the financial system.BACKGROUNDDigital finance as a major ‘untact’ industry has grown significantly with the development of simple payment and money transfer services, authentication technologies and platform businesses. With the introduction of new technologies and the expanded use of e-commerce and telecommuting, digital transformation of the financial industry has been accelerated. The convergence of digital finance with ICT sectors and platform businesses will not only lead the transformation toward a digital economy but also help enhance financial inclusiveness.Recognizing the significance of digital finance, major economies have made changes to their regulatory framework to promote competition and innovation. Meanwhile, the Electronic Financial Transactions Act in Korea has not seen major updates since it was first enacted in 2006. As such, the current regulatory framework cannot fully accommodate the changes taking place in the financial industry which pose the following obstacles—a) relatively high entrance barriers for innovative electronic financial business entities, b) lack of strong user protection measures to guarantee safety in digital transactions and earn consumer trust, c) need for new infrastructure fit for new financial environment, and d) need to ensure financial data security.With the revisions to the Electronic Financial Transactions Act, the FSC will boost both convenience and safety of digital finance users, promote innovation and competition in the financial industry, and contribute to the government’s digital new deal initiative.KEY POLICY AGENDAI. PROMOTE GROWTH OF INNOVATIVE DIGITAL FINANCE PLAYERS (INDUSTR
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Jul 24, 2020
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Jul 23, 2020
- FSC Adds 4 More 'Innovative Financial Services' to Regulatory Sandbox
- The FSC added four more ‘innovative financial services’ to the regulatory sandbox on July 23, bringing the total number of designated services to 110 since the sandbox program was first launched on April 1, 2019.In order to support digital transformation and promote the government’s new deal initiative, during the second half of this year, the FSC will begin to accept applications on a rolling basis with a particular focus given to new technologies such as big data, AI, digital authentication, payment, data security, etc. Interested firms may apply online throughout the year. OVERVIEW OF NEWLY ADDED ‘INNOVATIVE FINANCIAL SERVICES’1. An intellectual property rights based investment and fund raising mechanism that allows SMEs to raise funds with IP rights through trust companies and recruit investors through a crowdfunding platform (Hana Bank Wadiz, expected launch in January 2021)2. A mobile-based comprehensive retirement pension advising service that analyzes individuals’ multiple pension accounts and offers advises on pension products (Doomoolmori, expected launch in December 2020)3. An online financial investment platform that conveniently allows investors to purchase coupons for purchasing investment products on securities exchange platforms (KB Securities, expected launch in February 2021)4. A data analysis service using homomorphic encryption, which makes possible the coding of personal financial information stored in different financial institutions for analyzing purposes (Korea Credit Bureau, expected launch in august 2020) * Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 23, 2020
- FSC Chairman Holds Talks with Heads of Financial Holding Groups
- FSC Chairman Eun Sung-soo held talks with heads of financial holding groups on July 23, and shared opinions about the recent issues surrounding the financial industry and expected changes in a post-pandemic era.At the meeting, Chairman Eun expressed appreciation for financial companies’ efforts in providing the government’s emergency financial support, which has earned recognition from both at home and abroad. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose risks, Chairman Eun emphasized the need to stay alert for any negative ripple effects. In this regard, Chairman Eun urged cooperation from financial companies in ensuring a smooth implementation of the working capital support program for the suppliers in key industries, which will go into effect at the end of July. With regard to the scheduled expiration of loan maturity extension and deferment of interest payment at the end of September, Chairman Eun and the heads of financial holding groups agreed to continue to discuss the possibility of extension while closely monitoring market conditions in August.On the government’s new deal initiative, Chairman Eun emphasized the important role of the financial system in spreading and sharing risks and providing necessary funds to support innovative new deal projects. In particular, Chairman Eun noted the need to channel concentration of liquidity currently existing in the real estate market to more productive sectors.As big tech companies are entering the financial services industry, Chairman Eun said that there are positive effects from a consumers’ point of view, such as improved convenience and lowered costs, although there remain concerns about issues of fair competition and systemic risks. In this regard, Chairman Eun proposed the launching of a public-private joint consultative body composed of the government, traditional financial industry and big techs to facilitate discussion on win-win growth strategies.Chairman Eun also discussed the need for financial compa
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Jul 22, 2020
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Jul 21, 2020
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Jul 21, 2020
- FSC Chairman Holds Talks with Officials from Financial Companies, Big Techs and Fintechs
- FSC Chairman Eun Sung-soo met with officials from financial institutions, big techs and fintechs as well as academia on July 21, and held talks on ways to promote the advancement of Korea’s financial industry.The following is a summary of Chairman Eun’s remarks.The digital transformation taking place in the financial companies, big techs entering the financial services industry and the growth of fintechs are all expected to bring about change and innovation in our financial industry. As such, the traditional financial companies, big techs and fintechs should build mutual understanding and cooperative relations with each other.Big tech companies should always adhere to the principle of fair competition while respecting the regulations and the system built upon the existing framework of financial laws. Both big techs and fintechs should work to ensure financial data security and consumer protection while working to prevent conflict of interests with their nonfinancial service functions.The traditional financial companies should focus on improving consumer convenience and developing innovative ways to provide financial services. The government will support their efforts for innovation. On the issues concerning fair competition or regulatory arbitrage, the government is always willing to listen to constructive opinions and suggestions for solution.To level the playing field in the financial industry, the government will build foundations for fair competition by implementing fair and reasonable regulations, such as the financial regulatory sandbox program, while working for a balanced development between financial innovation, consumer protection, financial information security and data protection.The FSC will set up a joint public-private consultative body composed of officials and experts from the government, financial institutions, fintechs and big techs in the third quarter this year. The joint consultative body will discuss diverse issues including regulatory ref
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Jul 20, 2020
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Jul 17, 2020
- SPV to Start Purchasing Corporate Bonds and CP
- The government announced the official launching of the special purpose vehicle intended to support businesses facing liquidity problems by purchasing corporate bonds and CP on July 17.BACKGROUNDThe government, the Bank of Korea and the Korea Development Bank unveiled a joint plan for creating an SPV on May 20. Since then, the relevant institutions have worked toward the official launching of the SPV on July 14. In the meantime, the passage of the 3rd supplementary budget at the National Assembly enabled capital injection of KRW1 trillion to KDB. Between May 20 and July 13, the KDB purchased KRW300 billion worth of low-rated corporate bonds to help stabilize markets before the launching of the SPV. In addition, the Bank of Korea announced its decision to lend KRW8 trillion to the SPV on July 17.KEY DETAILS(SIZE) Up to KRW10 trillion made up of KRW1 trillion (10%) in equity capital from KDB, KRW1 trillion (10%) in subordinated loans from KDB and KRW8 trillion (80%) in primary loans from BOK, with the possibility of expanding the size up to KRW20 trillion(PERIOD) SPV’s bond purchasing program will be operated on a temporary basis for six months from July 14, 2020 until January 13, 2021, with the possibility of extension afterwards.(TARGETS) Investment grade corporate bonds and CP issued by nonfinancial companies with priorities given to low-rated companies (A~BBB ratings) and ‘fallen angels,’ BB-rated bonds downgraded from investment grades due to COVID-19-related factorsThe SPV is expected to help alleviate liquidity problems for many low-rated companies.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 16, 2020
- FSC to Work on Enhancing Transparency in Financial Regulatory Environment
- FSC Chairman Eun Sung-soo presided over the 43rd financial hubs establishment committee meeting on July 16, and discussed ways to reassess the government’s financial hub policy following recent changes in market environments at home and abroad.The following is a summary of Chairman Eun’s remarks.The competition over the status of regional financial center in Asia has been accelerating. The Korean government has been pursuing its financial hub policy since it first unveiled the strategy in 2003 to turn Korea into a financial hub in Northeast Asia. However, due to increasing uncertainties in the global financial markets, financial companies have been reducing the number of overseas branches, and it has become more difficult to attract foreign based financial companies in Korea.Despite difficulties, it is important to regroup strategies based on the strength of our financial industry and renew our efforts. In this regard, the rising demand for asset management and growth in foreign investment continue to accelerate the globalization of the asset management industry. In addition, the rising demand for development finance in neighboring countries provides new opportunities for Korea through the government’s new northern and southern economic cooperation initiatives.Compared to other major financial centers in Asia, high corporate and income tax rates, lack of flexibility in labor markets and that of transparency in financial regulations have been pointed out as obstacles for Korea in becoming a major financial center in the region. From the perspective of macroeconomic management, the government’s capacity to change its tax or employment rules just for the purpose of advancing its financial hub policy will be limited. In the meantime, the government will work to enhance transparency in our regulatory environment and find innovative ways to improve competitiveness of our financial industry.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 16, 2020
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Jul 16, 2020
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Jul 15, 2020
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Jul 15, 2020
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Jul 14, 2020
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Jul 14, 2020
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Jul 13, 2020
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Jul 09, 2020
- FSC Chairman Speaks about Promoting Artificial Intelligence in Financial Industry
- FSC Chairman Eun Sung-soo visited the Korea Insurance Development Institute’s automobile technology research center in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do on July 9 to see the application of artificial intelligence in auto insurance, and held talks on the topic of the insurance industry in the 4th industrial revolution and post-pandemic era.The following is a summary of Chairman Eun’s remarks.With the 4th industrial revolution, technological innovation is rapidly taking place throughout the world. The financial industry is also experiencing changes in its structure and terrain. In a post-pandemic era, this changing trend, such as digitalization of the economy and development of untact services, is expected to accelerate even further.The insurance industry has diverse channels through which it provides services to consumers, and is closely connected to different industries, which is why it has a high potential for convergence with innovative technologies. In this regard, the AI-based auto damage appraisal service is an excellent example of technological convergence in the insurance industry.The FSC will set up a working group to draw up plans to promote AI in the financial sectors, which will focus on improving regulations, building infrastructure and ensuring consumer protection.In order to ensure a continuous growth of the insurance industry, different attempts and tryouts for innovation and adapting to changes should be highly encouraged.The FSC will strongly support the insurance industry’s efforts at innovation through its regulatory sandbox program and continuous efforts to improve regulations.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Jul 09, 2020
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Jul 07, 2020
