Press Releases - Financial Services Commission

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May 20, 2020

Plans to Create Key Industry Stabilization Fund

The government announced detailed plans for the operation of the key industry stabilization fund on May 20.The initial plan for creating a KRW40 trillion key industry stabilization fund was announced on April 22 as business activities slowed down and the employment numbers began to fall amid the COVID-19 pandemic.With the National Assembly’s swift passage of the laws, the necessary legislative changes have been made to provide a legal ground for creating a stabilization fund.1KEY INDUSTRY STABILIZATION FUNDI. SUPPORT TARGETS(INDUSTRY REQUIREMENT) Industries designated by the enforcement decree of the Korea Development Bank Act to have significant effects on the domestic economy, the stability of the job market and the national security2(BUSINESS REQUIREMENT) (a) Enterprises having a significant impact on the national economy with total debts standing at KRW500 billion or more, and (b) businesses having a significant impact on the job market with total employees numbering 300 or moreFor qualified businesses, the fund operating council made up of private-sector experts will make decisions on the provision of support after consultation with the major creditor bank and assessment from the KDB.II. SIZE METHOD OF FUNDING SUPPORT(SIZE) In principle, the size of the support will be based on operating costs minus expected earnings based on sales forecast while excluding the amount needed for repayment of existing debt.(METHOD) Support for businesses will come in diverse ways—including liquidity support and capital injection —through issuing loans, taking over equity-linked securities, purchasing assets and providing guarantees.(FUNDING SOURCES) The KRW40 trillion stabilization fund will be created through bond issuance.III. CONDITIONS FOR SUPPORTIn order to receive support through the key industry stabilization fund, businesses will be required to retain jobs, share profits from business normalization and work to prevent moral hazard.(EMPLOYMENT) Businesses should main
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May 19, 2020

Vice Chairman Holds Meeting on Supervision of Financial Conglomerates

FSC Vice Chairman Sohn Byungdoo convened a consultative meeting on the supervision of financial conglomerates on May 19, and discussed specific plans for their group-wide risk assessment, disclosure and internal risk control systems.VICE CHAIRMAN’S REMARKSVice Chairman Sohn started out by stressing the significance of the consultative meeting, adding that the financial authorities should closely monitor recent volatility in the financial markets to prevent risk spillover to financial groups.On April 21, the IMF’s Financial Sector Assessment Program recommended that legislation on the supervision of financial groups is necessary to provide effective supervision on non-holding financial groups that are systemically important in Korea.With regard to the implementation of the measures to improve the supervision of financial conglomerates announced on February 24, the authorities will closely communicate with different stakeholders and experts to come up with appropriate indexing system that takes into account diverse risk factors for their group-wide risk assessment.IMPLEMENTATION PLANS(GROUP-WIDE RISK ASSESSMENT) Introduce within this year a group-wide risk assessment system which combines the currently distinct ‘risk concentration’ and ‘risk transfer’ categories into a single comprehensive framework for assessing capital adequacy requirements(GROUP-WIDE DISCLOSURE) Begin an integrated group-wide disclosure in September this year through which the six financial conglomerates will gather required information from their subsidiaries and provide group-wide disclosure of information on 8 sections and 25 categories, including ownership governance structure, internal risk management procedures, financial soundness, etc.(INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM) Work to introduce a group-wide internal control system in the second half of this year by having the six financial conglomerates establish and operate their own internal control councils and standards by the end of the thi
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May 19, 2020

Asia Region Funds Passport to be Launched on May 27

The government approved the revisions to the enforcement decree of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act on May 19 in preparation for the implementation of the Asia Region Funds Passport (ARFP) on May 27.KEY PROVISIONSThe revisions establish the following provisions for the registration and operation of passport funds.► REGISTRATION FOR PASSPORT FUNDS: Publicly offered local funds with (a) at least USD500 million in assets under management and USD1 million or more in capital, and (b) at least two board members with 5 years or more of management experience in the financial sector can apply to be registered as passport funds.Registered passport funds will be operated through securities and short-term financial instruments, sales of derivatives and securities lending agreement.► REDEMPTION DELAY AUDIT RULES: (a) A redemption delay is allowed when the amount of redemption requests surpasses 10 percent of the fund’s net asset value, (b) Small size funds (total assets of KRW30 billion or less) will be subject to an audit without exception► SALE REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN PASSPORT FUNDS: Foreign passport funds registered at another member economy will be available for sale in Korea through a streamlined process. Foreign passport funds sold in Korea will be subject to the same rules, regulations and investor protections as the publicly offered local funds.SCHEDULEThe revisions will become effective on May 27. The guidelines from the Korea Financial Investment Association and information about the registration process and relevant forms will be distributed to help facilitate the use of ARFP.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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May 19, 2020

4th Financial Risk Assessment Meeting

FSC Vice Chairman Sohn Byungdoo held the 4th financial risk assessment meeting on May 19. At the meeting, Vice Chairman Sohn vowed to strengthen support for the corporate bond and commercial paper markets.The following is a summary of Vice Chairman Sohn’s remarks.(DOMESTIC FINANCIAL MARKETS) The financial markets are showing signs of stability due to prompt policy responses from the government. In order to ensure that the current market stabilizing effects can have a wider impact, the government will provide support for low-rated corporate bonds and commercial paper. The downgraded corporate bonds from AA- to A+ rating as of April 1 will also be eligible to receive support through the bond market stabilization fund. On May 29, nearly KRW1 trillion worth of P-CBOs will be issued to help COVID-19 hit enterprises. Beginning in June, credit finance business bonds with A+ or A- ratings will also be eligible for support through the bond market stabilization fund.(2ND PHASE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR SMALL MERCHANTS) The 2nd phase of financial support for small merchants is currently being provided by seven banks, and it will be available at more regional banks across the country as their systems become ready within June. The availability of untact application services for the support will help enhance our efforts at digital transformation and financial inclusiveness as we prepare for the post-COVID-19 era.(KEY INDUSTRY STABILIZATION FUND) The government will prepare for the prompt implementation of the fund and work to ensure that businesses are able to receive loans in June.The government will continue to closely monitor markets and take necessary measures to maintain stability in the markets.FINANCIAL SUPPORT PROVIDEDBetween February 7 and May 15, a total of KRW97.8 trillion (1,185,000 individual cases) in loans and guarantees as well as loan and guarantee extensions were provided to the SMEs and small-scale businesses that have been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.► FINANC
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May 18, 2020

Vice Chairman Holds Meeting on Measures to Improve Asset-backed Securities Market

FSC Vice Chairman Sohn Byungdoo held a meeting with industry officials and experts on May 18 to discuss ways to improve the asset-backed securities market.The following is a summary of Vice Chairman Sohn’s remarks.(IMPORTANT ROLE OF ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES) The asset-backed security (ABS) provides businesses with a great means to raise funds and offers more favorable terms than credit-based financing. Businesses are able to treat securitized assets off-the-book for accounting purposes, which helps to improve their financial structure. The ABS allows businesses to securitize diverse assets including future assets and intellectual property rights to generate funds needed for now. In Korea, the enactment of the Asset-backed Securitization Act in 1998 contributed to clearing troubled assets and helped ride out the foreign exchange crisis. Since then, the ABS has been used as an innovative means to raise funds by enterprises and financial companies.(IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS) (a) With regard to risk management, the rapid expansion of the unregistered securities market can be a risk factor as it is difficult to identify the issuing entity, records of underlying assets and securitization structure. In particular, the real estate project financing asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) poses problems for securities firms as they have to take the burden of refinancing risk due to a duration mismatch between fund raising and fund management. (b) The role of ABS in corporate financing has also been in decline. Over the years, the ABS market’s focus has been shifting toward transactions that follow interest margins. Due to the delayed reforms in the registered securities system, the current ABS market has been unable to fully accommodate diverse securitization demand in the market.(MEASURES FOR IMPROVEMENT) (a) To enhance risk management, the government will introduce the risk retention rule, requiring asset holders to possess about 5 percent of credit risk to prevent conflict of
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May 18, 2020

Measures to Improve ETF and ETN Markets

The FSC announced the measures to improve the exchange-traded fund (ETF) and exchange-traded note (ETN) markets on May 15, which seek to contain overheated investment demand and mitigate excessive concentration on particular investment products.The measures are aimed at (a) preventing indiscriminate investment behavior in ETF and ETN markets by requiring minimum deposits and mandatory online education for retail investors, (b) improving brokerage firms’ management of disparate ratios to minimize investor damages from speculative demand, and (c) creating an environment for the development of diverse investment products to break up excess demand on particular instruments.BACKGROUNDETFs and ETNs are exchange listed investment products structured to enable diversification of investment for retail investors in traditional investment assets, such as stocks and bonds, and to allow small-sum investing in a variety of alternative assets including foreign exchanges and commodities.The ETF market has grown as a major publicly offered fund market and ETNs have provided a niche market where ETF offering remained difficult. Recently, there has been excessive concentration toward leveraged ETFs and ETNs amid the COVID-19 pandemic-induced market volatility. After the collapse of international oil prices, investors flocked to major oil ETFs and ETNs with an expectation for a rebound in oil prices, thereby raising the potential for losses. Trend followers who lack information about the risk characteristics of these products also flocked to invest in oil ETFs and ETNs, artificially pushing up trading prices well above their intrinsic asset values. A series of investor alerts and cautions by securities companies, the Korea Exchange and the FSS as well as transaction suspensions have been issued, but they have yet to successfully curb the overheated demand. Thus, the financial authorities drew up measures to cool overheated investor demand and more effectively manage markets.RECENT IS
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May 18, 2020

FSC Unveils 5th Plan for Financial Hub Policy

The FSC unveiled the 5th three-year plan for Korea’s financial hub policy (2020-2022) on May 15. The specific strategies include pursuing regulatory reforms to promote private sector-driven innovation, building infrastructure to continue innovative growth in the financial industry and adopting a ‘selection and concentration’ approach to build global capacity with a particular attention paid to the ASEAN markets.To accomplish these goals, the FSC adopted three key sectoral tasks—(a) supporting financial sectors that have comparative advantages, (b) developing financial infrastructure on a par with global standards and (c) providing effective support for financial hubs.Since 2008, the FSC has drawn up three-year plans for Korea’s financial hub policy, maintaining a consistent policy direction while effectively responding to rapid changes taking in the industry.KEY TASKSI. SUPPORT FINANCIAL SECTORS WITH COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES(FINTECH INNOVATION) Foster the fintech industry through adequate funding support and creating a virtuous cycle between the financial regulatory sandbox program and regulatory reforms(ASSET MANAGEMENT MARKET) Promote pension fund management services and facilitate innovation in the asset management sector through improvements in regulations(PUBLIC FUNDS’ OVERSEAS INVESTMENT) Have the National Pension Service (NPS) and Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) boost their overseas investment as well as their contribution to the growth of the domestic asset management industry II. DEVELOP FINANCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE ON PAR WITH GLOBAL STANDARDS(DATA USE) Establish legal and institutional frameworks to promote a widespread use of big data in the financial industry(ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING) Improve the regulatory framework on anti-money laundering scheme on a par with global standards and strengthen capacity to combat money laundering(FOREIGN EXCHANGE SYSTEM) Ensure smooth overseas transactions by improving user convenience in foreign exchange transacti
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May 14, 2020

Overview of Financial Regulatory Sandbox

The FSC has been operating a financial regulatory sandbox program since April 1, 2019 to promote competition and innovation in the financial industry and provide more benefits to consumers.OVERVIEWA total of 102 ‘innovative financial services’ have been designated so far through fourteen evaluation committee meetings. Under the regulatory sandbox program, the designated firms are granted exemptions from licensing and other sales regulations for up to four years. The evaluation is based on the level of innovativeness, potential contribution to consumer convenience, and the soundness and feasibility of business plan.Among the 102 designated service providers, fintech firms (54 cases, 53%) made up a majority, followed by financial institutions (39 cases, 38%), IT firms (6 cases, 6%) and public sector institutions (3 cases, 3%).By service types, banks were most numerous (16 cases), followed by insurance services (15 cases), capital markets-related services (15 cases), loan comparison services (14 cases), payment cards (13 cases), data services (12 cases), electronic finance (11 cases), foreign exchange (3 cases) and others (3 cases).As of now, 36 ‘innovative financial services’ are at the stage of market test with 66 more expected to be launched in the first half this year.FINANCIAL INNOVATIONINCREASING BENEFITS TO CONSUMERS: a) The shift away from a supplier-driven market toward a more consumer-oriented environment has lowered costs for financial services in the form of interest payments, insurance premiums, etc., b) With the launching of easy-to-use financial services in everyday life, consumer access to financial services has been improved, c) Development of specific services tailored to the needs of SMEs and small-scale businesses has helped extend more financing opportunities to those that had been traditionally unable to access financial services, d) Innovative financial services have contributed to addressing various social problems in the areas of renewa
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May 13, 2020

Reporting Deadline Extended for Financial Companies' Overseas Branches

The financial authorities decided on May 13 to grant an extension of reporting deadline until August 31 this year for financial companies’ overseas branches that face compliance burdens due to COVID-19.According to the current regulations, an extension of filing reports is permitted for unavoidable reasons and circumstances at overseas branches, and the authorities decided that the current pandemic-related reasons and circumstances in their locations qualify as unavoidable. As such, the financial companies’ overseas branches will not face a fine of KRW7 million for failure to submit their annual performance report by the deadline.The government may consider a further extension of the deadline depending on the development of situations.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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May 13, 2020

FSC Announces Plans for MyData Businesses

The FSC announced a schedule for demand survey and preliminary consulting for MyData businesses on May 13. As the revision of the Credit Information Use and Protection Act is scheduled to take effect on August 5, financial companies and fintechs planning to enter the MyData industry should gain approval from the FSC.MYDATA LICENSING(REQUIREMENTS) By law, MyData business operators are required to have a minimum capital of KRW500 million and adequate telecommunications facilities for safe data processing, while satisfying the major shareholder and feasibility of business plan requirements.Licenses will be granted based on the holistic evaluation of firm’s capabilities to process data in a safe and secure manner.(RESTRICTIONS) In principle, there is no quota regarding the number of MyData licenses offered to business entities. Multiple entities within a financial group or a holding company may be granted licenses to operate MyData businesses. Financial companies will be subject to the same evaluation standards as fintech firms for MyData licenses.DEMAND SURVEY PRELIMINARY CONSULTINGThe FSC will carry out a demand survey from May 14 to May 28 to see how many business entities are planning to apply for MyData licenses. Interested entities should submit their demand survey forms to mydata@fss.or.kr.An information session will be held in June for the businesses that have submitted their demand survey forms and a preliminary consulting will be provided in June-July to help firms with relevant documents and processes.EXPECTATION(FOR CONSUMERS) MyData businesses will enable ‘pocket finance’—consumers will be able to manage their personal credit information and financial products within the palm of their hands. Consumer convenience will be improved as consumers will no longer need to access individual financial institutions to view their credit and asset information dispersed across many different entities. Consumers will also be able to enjoy more personalized credit
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May 12, 2020

Government Prepares to Launch Key Industry Stabilization Fund

The government decided to designate the airline and maritime shipping sectors as the key industries eligible to receive support through the key industry stabilization fund on May 12.The decision has been made official at a cabinet meeting as the government made changes to the FSC’s earlier revision proposal, which included five other sectors — machinery, automobile, shipbuilding, electric power and communications industries. The FSC may designate other sectors as key industries after consulting relevant ministries and upon coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Finance.The FSC will work to provide effective support to the key industry businesses through the stabilization fund.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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May 12, 2020

Household Loans, April 2020

The outstanding balance of household loans in all financial sectors rose KRW2.8 trillion (up 5.4% year-on-year) at the end of April 2020. The household loan balance increased KRW4.9 trillion in the banking sector (up 9.2% year-on-year) while declining KRW2.1 trillion in the non-banking sector (down 0.8% year-on-year).By types, mortgage loans increased KRW4.7 trillion in April (up 5.8% year-on-year). Regular mortgage loans, jeonse loans and group lending expanded KRW4.9 trillion in the banking sector, while non-banks saw a drop of KRW200 billion due to the availability of refinancing products with lower interest mortgage loans. Other types of loans declined KRW2.0 trillion (up 4.8% year-on-year) due to a drop in credit lending.The government will closely monitor trends in household loans amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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May 12, 2020

Vice Chairman Urges Preventive Measures as Banks Ready to Accept Loan & Relief Payment Applications

FSC Vice Chairman Sohn Byungdoo held a financial risk assessment meeting on May 12, and discussed the second phase financial support program for small merchants and the preparations for emergency relief payments and key industry stabilization fund.The following is a summary of Vice Chairman Sohn’s remarks:(DOMESTIC FINANCIAL MARKETS) The financial markets show signs of stability. Liquidity shortages in the corporate bond market and the short-term money markets have subsided following the policy responses to purchase commercial paper and issue primary collateralized bond obligations. The government will closely monitor markets and take prompt measures when necessary.(2ND PHASE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR SMALL MERCHANTS) The government and the financial institutions will work to swiftly provide the 2nd phase financial support to small merchants beginning on May 18, which amounts to KRW10 trillion for about one million business owners. With 95 percent of loans guaranteed from the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, the lending institutions will face reduced burdens.(EMERGENCY RELIEF PAYMENTS) On May 18, banks will begin accepting applications for the COVID-19 emergency relief payments for households. The relevant institutions, local branches and individuals should adhere to the preventive measures in order to prevent the spread of virus.(KEY INDUSTRY STABILIZATION FUND) The preparations to launch the key industry stabilization fund have been taking place. The designated key industries are vital to maintain the global competitiveness. This stabilization fund will help the key industry enterprises and their subcontractors weather the pandemic-caused hardship while protecting jobs for their employees.The government will work to overcome the pandemic-driven economic crisis while supporting businesses to retain jobs and maintain their global competitiveness.FINANCIAL SUPPORT PROVIDEDBetween February 7 and May 8, a total of KRW87.0 trillion (1,044,000 individual cases) in loans and gu
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May 11, 2020

Financial Data Exchange Platform Launched

FSC Vice Chairman Sohn Byungdoo attended a launch event of the financial data exchange platform on May 11. During his congratulatory remarks, Vice Chairman Sohn stressed the importance of turning the current crisis situation into an opportunity and to continue to work on the government’s post-COVID-19 innovation in digital finance. The financial data exchange platform will be test launched to provide a secure one-stop distribution service.KEY FUNCTIONS► HIGH-SECURITY DATA EXCHANGE: a) Provide a highly secure data delivery method which allows the user to analyze and utilize data within the platform, b) Provide the FSI with the tools to safely transfer data during the exchange process, c) Prevent data leakage by having a thorough internal security control system► SAFE PROVISION OF PSEUDONYMIZED ANONYMIZED DATA: Confirm the appropriateness of the pseudonymized and anonymized data, as well as the information protection measures of the data seeker prior to the data transfer► DATA DISTRIBUTION CONVERGENCE: Designate the FSI, Korea Credit Information Services and Korea Financial Telecommunications Clearings Institutes as the financial data specializing institutions authorized to carry out data convergence and other relevant tasksFURTHER PLANS► DATA DISTRIBUTION GUIDELINES: Establish financial data distribution guidelines detailing the types and utilization of data products, distribution process, data standards and pricing details, things to consider prior to signing contracts, post-distribution management, etc.► DATA EXCHANGE VOUCHERS: Provide data vouchers to promote data exchange transactions at the onsetEXPECTATIONThe government expects that the financial data exchange platform will help establish a safe and secure marketplace for the distribution of financial big data. It will also foster new data-driven business opportunities for fintech start-ups and promote data convergence and utilization with non-financial data, which will lead to the development of ne
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May 11, 2020

2020 Online Korea Fintech Week to Start May 28

The FSC will hold the 2020 Online Korea Fintech Week from May 28. With the theme of “Fintech for Open Innovation,” this year’s virtual expo will feature special information sessions, virtual exhibitions and an online job fair.The following is a schedule of the virtual expo.(OPENING SESSION) Welcoming remarks, congratulatory remarks by key dignitaries(SPECIAL SESSIONS) Key information sessions and seminars about open innovation, industry trends in domestic and foreign marketsa) FSC: Digital finance innovation in Koreab) FSS: Showcasing regtech and suptech firmsc) KPMG: Korean fintech industry in 2020 policy trendsd) World Bank: Digital finance for crisis response and economic development – Role of the WBe) VISA-Fintech Center Korea: Sharing a successful collaboration lesson between a global financial company and a fintechf) KFTC: Open banking – achievements and futureg) FSI: Financial data security in the era of 4th industrial revolutionh) KOSCOM: Financial cloud computing and compliance in financial services(ONLINE JOB FAIR) Co-hosted by the Fintech Center Korea and Korea Internet Security Agency and participated by 34 hiring institutions looking for 40 new hires(VIRTUAL EXHIBITIONS) The six virtual exhibition halls will be organized into a fintech ecosystem hall, a financial enterprise hall, a fintech start-up hall, a fintech scale-up hall, a big tech hall and a global enterprise hall, participated by about 150 firms(CYBER VOICE PHISHING PREVENTION HALL) Introduce voice phishing prevention app and the relevant technology and provide education on how to detect voice phishingFor further information, please contact the Fintech Center Korea via email at fintechweek@fintechcenter.or.kr or by phone at +82-70-4150-4490 and +82-70-8873-9006.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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May 06, 2020

FSC's Revision Proposal Designates 7 Key Industries for Key Industry Bailout Fund

The FSC announced revisions to the enforcement decree of the Korea Development Bank Act on May 6, which designate seven specific industries to be eligible for the key industry bailout fund and establish necessary provisions for the fund’s operation. KEY REVISIONS(DESIGNATION OF KEY INDUSTRIES) The Korea Development Bank Act broadly defines key industries as those considered crucial to the real economy, stability of the job market and national security, such as defense industry, industries barred from foreign investment, etc., and prescribes that the designation of specific industries be carried out by enforcement decree. Through this amendement, the airline, maritime shipping, machinery, automobile, shipbuilding, electric power and communications industries will be designated as key industries. The FSC may include additional sectors upon request from the relevant ministers if funding support is deemed necessary.(ISSUANCE OF BONDS) The revisions to the enforcement decree established the necessary rules including the issuance of bonds, subscription, etc.(VOTING RIGHT) The KDB may exercise its voting right only in the following two exceptional circumstances to preserve the fund’s assets—a) decisions involving significant stakes to the value of equities and b) when a company receiving the support undergoes structural adjustment.(FUND MANAGEMENT COUNCIL) The 7-member council will consist of members recommended by the relevant standing committees of the National Assembly, government ministries and the KDB.SCHEDULEThe revisions to the enforcement decree of the Korea Development Bank Act will be finalized at a cabinet meeting after an examination by the Ministry of Government Legislation.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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May 06, 2020

FSC Chairman Stresses Importance of Concerted Effort from Banks and Financial Authorities

FSC Chairman Eun Sung-soo presided over a financial risk assessment meeting on May 6 to check the implementation of the COVID-19 emergency financial support and discuss measures to support SMEs, middle market enterprises, small-scale businesses as well as the key industries.The following is a summary of Chairman Eun’s remarks:(SMES MIDDLE MARKET ENTERPRISES) It is essential to have a concerted effort by the banking sector and the financial authorities for an effective delivery of the financial support to the SMEs and middle market enterprises. In this regard, the financial authorities will work on promoting movable asset-based lending and sale-and-leaseback by companies while working on measures to help relieve financing difficulties for subcontractors in key industries.(SMALL-SCALE BUSINESSES) As the second phase financing support for small-scale businesses will be provided through the banking sector, it is necessary not to leave behind individuals with low credit scores. To ensure that the second phase support is being provided as scheduled, all necessary preparations should take place promptly.(KEY INDUSTRIES) The government will work to promptly implement the stabilization fund for key industries. The banking sector should be encouraged to cooperate with the Korea Development Bank to support the country’s key industries. With regard to the conditionality which obliges businesses to maintain employment, there should be appropriate balance between protecting jobs and not acting as a constraint for companies in applying for the support.FINANCIAL SUPPORT PROVIDEDBetween February 7 and May 1, a total of KRW77.4 trillion (890,000 individual cases) in loans and guarantees as well as loan and guarantee extensions were provided to the SMEs and small-scale businesses that have been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.► FINANCING BY TYPE: KRW40.3 trillion (707,000 cases) in new loans and guarantees, KRW34.9 trillion (169,000 cases) in maturity extensions and deferred paymen
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May 06, 2020

Margin Requirements for Non-centrally Cleared OTC Derivatives to be Postponed for One Year

The FSC announced on May 4 a one-year postponement of the implementation of margin requirements for non-centrally cleared OTC derivative transactions to help ease compliance burdens on financial institutions amid the COVID-19 crisis.► FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2021: For financial institutions with non-centrally cleared derivatives of KRW70 trillion or more► FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2022: For financial institutions with non-centrally cleared derivatives of KRW10 trillion or more and less than KRW70 trillionThe decision is on a par with international standards and is based on a review of financial institutions’ preparedness and opinions from the industry.In this regard, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) announced their decision on April 3 to extend by one year the final two implementation phases of margin requirements for non-centrally cleared derivatives to help provide additional operational capacity for firms amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Singapore, Canada, Switzerland, Japan and Europe decided to follow the suit.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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May 04, 2020

FSC Selects Six SME-Specialized Investment Firms

The FSC has designated six securities firms as financial investment companies specialized in investing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)1: eBest Investment Securities, Eugene Investment Securities, IBK Securities, Kiwoom Securities, Korea Asset Investment Securities and SK Securities.The designation will be valid for two years starting from May 4, 2020. The designated firms will be granted policy incentives, such as preferential treatment in the selection process for state-backed fund managers or favorite terms in the provision of securities-backed loans, etc. They will be required to report their performance in SME financing to the financial authorities every six months. If their performance record in the semi-annual report is deemed insufficient twice in a row, the financial authorities may revoke the designation.The government will continue to work on supportive measures for SME-specialized investment companies to better serve financing needs of SMEs and start-ups.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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May 01, 2020

FSC To Work on Improvements To Financial Education Programs

Vice Chairman Sohn Byungdoo presided over the first financial education council meeting on April 29, in which the council decided on the plans for improving financial education.BACKGROUNDA new legislation on financial consumer protection adopted by the government on March 17, 2020 establishes a legal foundation to provide financial education to consumers. Over the years, financial education has become more widely available in Korea as household debt levels increased and personal asset management became more important amid aging society and prolonged low interest rates.Against this backdrop, the FSC carried out surveys and focus group interviews last year to assess current situations, and the results revealed that despite wide availability of financial education, the quality of educational contents, delivery channels and instructors has been lagging. Thus, the council on financial education plans to work on improving the organization and effectiveness of financial education through an enhanced level of cooperation between the public and private sectors.PLANS FOR IMPROVING FINANCIAL EDUCATION► CONTENTS: a) Design a set of financial literacy indicators to help develop and manage educational contents in a more systematic way, b) Draw up plans for contents development every year to maintain the timeliness of the contents, c) Ensure credibility through a contents certification system► CONTENTS DELIVERY CHANNELS: a) Make sufficient class spaces available for financial education throughout the country, b) Set up an online one-stop contents site which offers answers to the finance-related questions in everyday life, c) Make educational contents available through different platforms based on the different needs of consumers► INSTRUCTORS: a) Work on establishing a more systematic management of professional instructors, b) Make training programs more widely available for school teachers► EDUCATIONAL METHODS: Promote diverse educational programs based on the needs of dif
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