Press Releases - Financial Services Commission

Press Releases

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Jan 30, 2012

Approval for HFG's Acquisition of KEB

The FSC approved Hana Financial Group (HFG)’s acquisition of Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) at its regular meeting on January 27, 2012.Under the Financial Holding Companies Act, a potential acquirer is required to meet the following three conditions: (1) The business plan of a company included as a subsidiary shall be appropriate and sound; (2) The financial standing and business management of such financial holding company and its subsidiary shall be sound; and (3) The funding plan for acquisition shall be appropriate.In granting approval, the FSC shall consult in advance with the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) as to whether the merger or acquisition substantially limits competition in the relevant market.In regard with this matter, the FTC notified the FSC on December 29, 2011 that such acquisition would not substantially limit competition in the relevant market.The FSS also notified the FSC on January 27, 2012 that HFG satisfies the requirements under the Financial Holding Companies Act to acquire KEB as its subsidiary.(1) KEB’s business plan is appropriate to keep its operations and maintain the managerial soundness of HFG and KEB.(2) As of end-September 2011, the BIS capital adequacy ratios of HFG (13.05%) and KEB(13.98%) meet the standard set by the FSC.(3) HFG’s acquisition of KEB was partly funded by its own debt; however, there is no concern that it would significantly hurt its managerial soundness.With approval for HFG’s acquisition of KEB, KEB’s 13 subsidiaries will be included as lower-tier subsidiaries of HFG. As a result, the number of HFG’s subsidiaries will increase from 8 to 9; and lower-subsidiaries from 9 to 22.As a result of the acquisition, seven of all domestic banks will belong under financial holding companies.Hana Financial Group1. General Information- Establishment: 2005.12.01- CEOs: Kim Seung-Yu, Kim Jong-Yeol- Head Office: 101-1 Euljiro 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea- Number of Employees: 12,8702. Financial Analysis (units in KRW, %)- To
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Jan 06, 2012

2012 Financial Policy Agenda

FINANCIAL MARKET OUTLOOK FOR 2012 AND KOREA’S POLICY DIRECTIONAs Europe’s ongoing debt crisis is expected to threaten global economic growth and increase volatility in global financial markets next year, Korea is also likely to face an economic slowdown, which will deal a severe blow particularly to SMEs and low-income households.Under such circumstances, the FSC set three main financial policy goals with six key objectives for 2012 as follows:[Policy goal #1: Preparedness against crises]① Take preemptive actions to secure market stability② Make Korea’s financial system further advanced[Policy goal #2: Support for businesses]③ Create a financial services environment for the growth of start-up companies and SMEs④ Develop financial services for sustainable growth[Policy goal #3: Greater financial inclusion]⑤ Support expansion of microfinance programs for low-income households⑥ Promote social contribution of financial institutions and stronger protection for financial consumersKEY POLICY OBJECTIVES FOR 20121. Preemptive actions to secure market stability(1) Create an emergency response mechanism for prompt actions in the event of a financial crisis- The FSC will conduct thorough tests on foreign currency liquidity conditions of domestic banks and closely monitor foreign capital flows.- We will also review and supplement our action plans on a frequent basis to take prompt and bold actions for market stabilization in the event of a crisis.- The FSC-FSS joint emergency response team will be ready to take swift actions against any possible crisis.(2) Keep household debt growth to a manageable level and normalize bad PF loans Household debt- The FSC will curb household debt growth to a balanced pace with real economic growth.- In order to encourage banks to extend more fixed-rate and installment loans, we will help banks secure their long-term funding sources by facilitating their issuance of MBS or covered bonds.- By end-2016, banks will be required to in
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Dec 14, 2011

Early Repayment of Bank Recapitalization Fund

OVERVIEWIn December 2008, the government announced its plan to create the Bank Recapitalization Fund in order to help banks secure more equity capital in response to the global financial crisis. A total of KRW 20 trillion fund was raised with contributions from the Bank of Korea (KRW 10 trillion), the Korea Development Bank (KRW 2 trillion), and institutional and retail investors (KRW 8 trillion) . With the fund, the government purchased banks’ subordinated and hybrid securities and then securitized subordinated debt of KRW 8 trillion into bonds and sold them to institutional investors.UPDATES ON FUND OPERATIONOn March 31, 2009, the government purchased hybrid and subordinated securities worth KRW 4 trillion from eight domestic banks.As of end-November 2011, a total of KRW 1.3 trillion was repaid. The government fully recovered its investment in banks’ subordinated debt by selling a total of KRW 503 billion* subordinated securities in the market. Out of the investment in hybrid securities, KRW 0.8 trillion** was repaid as issuers chose to buy back their debt before maturity.EARLY REPAYMENT SCHEMESome banks expressed their intention to buy back their hybrid securities before maturity as their earnings this year have increased.Such an early repayment requires approval from the Bank Recapitalization Fund Operation Committee and the FSS Governor for selling those securities before maturity.On December 9, 2011, the Committee has approved sales of hybrid securities worth KRW 1.5 trillion that the Bank Recapitalization Fund held in Kookmin (KRW 0.6 trillion), Hana (KRW 0.3 trillion), Woori (KRW 0.2 trillion), and NH Bank (KRW 1.5 trillion).These banks will go through their internal procedure such as approval from their board of directors for early repayment and then apply for approval from the FSS Governor.Through the buy-back scheme, it is expected that KRW 1.5 trillion will be repaid by the end of this year, and the remaining amount of money to be recovered will be l
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Dec 07, 2011

Best Practice Guidelines for Hedge Funds and Prime Brokers

KEY CONTENTSI. Hedge Funds1. Guidelines for internal control and risk managementHedge fund management firms are required to set guidelines for internal control over hedge fund management, which include work manuals for executives and employees, and designate persons in charge of internal control matters.In order to manage risks involved in hedge fund investment, hedge fund management firms are required to create a risk management division within the company.2. Seeding principles for hedge fund firmsFor hedge fund management firms who want to invest their own capital into hedge funds under their management, the best practice guidelines set the following principles:(1) A hedge fund management firm is prohibited from investing more than 10% of its own capital into the same hedge fund.(2) A hedge fund management firm is prohibited from investing more than 50% of its own capital into hedge funds under its management(3) A hedge fund management firm is prohibited from investing its own capital into collective securities that exceed 30% of total securities issued by the same hedge fund.** This principle will not be applied until one year after the inception date of a hedge fund.(4) In the cases above mentioned, the hedge fund management firm can recoup its investment only upon the remaining investors’ consent.Hedge fund managers are restricted from directly investing in hedge funds under their management.3. Conflict of interest preventionThere should be a “Chinese wall” between a hedge fund management division and other business parts of a company. Executives and employees in the hedge fund division are restricted from concurrently working in other divisions.Hedge fund management firms are required to create an internal committee, composed of compliance officers, in charge of preventing conflict of interest.4. Investor protectionHedge fund management firms are required to provide their clients with sufficient information about risks involved in hedge fund investment w
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Dec 06, 2011

Joint FATF/APG Typologies Workshop 2011 Held in Busan

The Korean government will be co-hosting an international conference on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) in Busan for six days from December 5th to 10th. The Financial Intelligence Unit (KoFIU) of FSC will be representing the Korean government.The Joint FATF/APG Typologies Workshop 2011, jointly hosted by the Financial Action Task Force and the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering, groups of Financial Intelligence Units around the world setting the guidelines and implementing supervisory rules on AML/CFT issues. They are made up of 36 OECD nations and 40 Asia-Pacific nations respectively including Korea, Japan, Canada and the U.S.Roughly 250 representatives from 45 countries and 15 international institutions including the UN, IMF, and World Bank will be participating at the conference.Discussions will be around the following four major topic areas: A. Trade Based Money Laundering; B. Illicit Tobacco Trade; C. Guidance on Financial Investigation; and D. Laundering the Proceeds of Corruption.This would be the first time the City of Busan, which has been designated as one of Korea’s official financial hubs, is holding an international conference on AML/CFT of this magnitude and scale, which will raise the city’s international reputation.The FSC Chairman Kim Seok-Dong will be giving the keynote address emphasizing the need to find innovative countermeasures in response to the rising of newest tactics on money laundering as well as the necessity to narrow the compliance gap between FATF and APG member nations.The Congressman and Chairman Huh Tae-Yeol of Korea’s National Policy Committee will give the welcoming address emphasizing the need to strengthen AML/CFT efforts to combat against the risks and treats to international financial system that oppresses universal values such as democracy and human rights, calling for great international cooperation.*Please read the attached file for details.
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Nov 29, 2011

FSC Chairman Visits Financial Regulators in Turkey and UK for Greater Partnership

The Financial Services Commission Chairman, Kim Seok-dong has made a five-day-journey from November 24th to 29th to Turkey and the United Kingdom to visit and strengthen relationships with corresponding financial regulating agencies. The following are some of the results of the meetings with the heads of the regulating agencies:TURKEYChairman Kim met with Chairman Vedat Akgiray of the Capital Markets Board (CMB), Chairman Tevfik Bilgin of the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) and Chairman Husayin Erkan of the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) to sign MOUs effectively raising the inter-cooperational relationship and informational exchange, including information regarding “fit and proper test” of the financial institutions between two countries, bilateral commitment to hold regular meetings at the top management level, joint studies and seminars on mutual interests, as well as exchanging of innovative financial technologies and information on capital markets.The FSC and the CMB also agreed to establish branch offices in both countries led by joint task force made up of civil and government official members. Their role will be to enhance cooperational ties and assist overseas advancement of financial institutions from both sides.UNITED KINGDOMChairman Kim met with Chairman Adair Lord Turner of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to strengthen ties by signing a renewed MOU enhancing mutual understanding and partnership through various ways such as regular high-level dialogues, exchanging of examination and supervision techniques and human resources.They exchanged views on the cause and current development of European fiscal crisis and how it might affect the Asian countries including Korea, as well as future plans to counter those problems.The MOUs signed during the meetings with the heads of each organization took effect immediately as they were signed.* Please refer to the attached PDF below.
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Nov 18, 2011

Lone Star Ordered To Sell Down Its Stake in Korea Exchange Bank

I. Sale Order of Lone Star’s Excess Stake in KEBRULINGThe FSC decided to order Lone Star Fund IV (hereinafter “Lone Star”) to sell its stake in KEB that exceeds 10% of the total number of voting stocks within six months by May 18, 2012.** Article 16-4 of the Banking Act (5) Where a limit excess stockholder, etc. who has received an order under paragraph (3) fails to comply with the order, the FSC may order the limit excess stockholder, etc. to dispose of the stocks of a financial institution held by him in excess of the limit as set in Article 15(3)1 within a specified period of not more than six months.The sale order was made on ground that Lone Star failed to redress qualifications as a majority stakeholder in KEB within the deadline (October 28, 2011) set by the FSC, and the situation still remains unfixed.** Lone Star was ordered to redress its qualification as a majority stakeholder under the Banking Act that requires no record of punishment for violation of financial laws and regulations since it was ruled guilty of stock price manipulation and fined KRW 25billion.The FSC concluded that we should not delay our decision any longer, leaving the situation uncorrected.REASON FOR SETTING A SIX-MONTH PERIODThe FSC decided to give Lone Star a six-month period to reduce its stake in KEB, considering the number of stocks to be sold and precedent cases.Lone Star has to sell a total of 265 million shares (41.02%), the largest number of stocks that any shareholder was ever ordered to sell. We also took into our consideration fairness with a precedent case that a majority shareholder in an insurance company was given a six-month period to sell four million shares (41.4%).REASON FOR NOT SPECIFYING DETAILS OF THE SALEThe FSC decided not to specify details of the sale, considering the purpose of eligibility test for majority shareholders and reference cases home and abroad.The eligibility test for majority shareholders and the sale order of shares aim to eliminate unqua
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Nov 14, 2011

FSC Approves Revision of Regulations on Financial Investment Business

The FSC approved a revision of Regulations on Financial Investment Business at its 19th regular meeting held on November 16, 2011. With the approval of revision, the FSC laid the foundation for introducing home-grown hedge funds and prime brokers.From the beginning of this year, the FSC has been closely working with a joint task force composed of the academia, industry, and relevant institutions for revisions of Enforcement Decree of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (FSCMA) and related regulations.In order to ensure a soft landing of for home-grown hedge fund industry, the joint task force is currently drafting best practice guidelines, expected to be announced and implemented in November.*Please read the FSC press release “Proposed Revision of Regulations on Financial Investment Business” (Oct. 10, 2011) for Details.KEY CONTENTS OF THE REVISIONI. Regulations in regard with hedge funds1. Strengthened mechanism for preventing conflicts of interest arising from operations of hedge funds (Article 4-64)In order to prevent conflicts of interest, fund managers in charge of hedge fund operations, paid contingent remuneration, will be prohibited from operating other funds and discretionary investment assets, and sharing investment-related information.*In addition, it will be restricted for fund managers to directly or indirectly advertize names, investment performance and strategies of private equity funds including hedge funds.2. Criteria for hedge fund management firms and professionals(Companies) Asset management companies with a total of funds and assets under management more than KRW 10 trillion will be allowed to operate hedge fund management business.* “Track Record” criteria for securities and investment advisory firms(i) Securities firms with equity capital more than KRW 1 trillion(ii) Investment advisory firms with assets under management more than KRW 0.5 trillion(Persons in charge of hedge fund operation) Professionals with more
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Nov 08, 2011

FSC Lifts Temporary Ban on Short Selling of Non-Financial Stocks

The FSC decided to lift a three-month ban (August 10 - November 9) on short selling of non-financial stocks from November 10, while maintaining the ban on financial stocks for a while.Stock market volatility has been considerably subdued since August when the financial market turmoil began to unfold.** KOSPI: 2,172 (Aug.1) →1,801 (Aug. 9, short-selling ban) →1,653 (Sept. 26) → 1,919(Nov.7)However, given that potential Eurozone risks still remain such as a possibility of Greek default, growing concerns about Italy’s debt crisis, and upcoming maturity dates of PIIGS sovereign debt,* the FSC decided to maintain the short-selling ban on financial stocks vulnerable to internal and external factors.* PIIGS sovereign debt to be matured (unit: $100 million): 1,843 (4Q2011), 2,832 (1Q2012), 1,769 (2Q2012)In August, Greece, Italy, France, Spain and Belgium also banned short sales; however, Greece is the only country that banned short selling of all listed stocks as we did. The remaining four countries imposed short-selling bans on a few number of financial stocks.*Please read the attached file for details.
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Nov 04, 2011

Revision of Regulation on Investigation of Capital Markets

The FSC approved a revision of Regulation on Investigation of Capital Markets at its 18th regular meeting held on November 4, 2011.KEY CONTENTS1. Standards for punitive measures against violations of public disclosure rules get more streamlined and clarified.- Standards for imposition of penalty surcharges, which used to be too complicated, were revised in order to secure predictability and stability in enforcing such measures.* For example, the process of calculating the amount of penalty surcharges to be imposed has become shortened from six to four stages, and standards for setting the amount of penalty surcharges has become clarified in order to prevent penalty surcharges from being imposed arbitrarily.- Conditions to impose restrictions on securities issuance for those who violated public disclosure rules,* which used to be under the FSS Work Guidelines, will be incorporated into Regulation on Investigation of Capital Markets.* Cases in which the entity in violation of public disclosure was deemed incapable of paying penalty surcharges due to its delisting2. Punitive measures against those who committed a serious violation of public disclosure rules are strengthened.- The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) can accuse those who committed embezzlement or a breach of trust or repeated and intended violations of serious violations of public disclosure rules.* Please read the attached file for details.
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Oct 21, 2011

Plan for Improved Discretionary Investment Services

BACKGROUNDSince 2010, with socio-economic changes such as the aging population and low-interest rate trends, there has been growing demand for “discretionary investment services,” or customized services in asset management.The growth in demand for discretionary investment services appears to be driven by investors seeking for alternative investments as investors’ sentiment about fund investment was dampened and interest rates have been kept low since the global financial crisis.In particular, advisory wrap accounts have shown a significant increase in contract volumes.*Contract volumes (trillion won): 1.1 (April 2010)→5.2 (Dec. 2010) → 9.1 (June 2011)Despite such growth in size, discretionary investment services still fall short of expectations in terms of providing customized services and investor protection.① (Regulatory arbitrage) The reason discretionary investment service providers are given greater autonomy* in their operations is because of the assumption that they provide customized one-on-one services; however, they are only required to meet the same level of “know-your-client” (KYC) requirements with other regular financial investment products.*Discretionary investment services are not subject to the 10% portfolio investment rule applied to mutual funds.② (Collective management) There is a controversy about collective management as some wrap accounts are managed under one model portfolio and perceived as just a short-term investment product rather than a customized asset allocation service.③ (Investor protection) As discretionary investment services mostly just employ short-term equity investment strategies focused on a few number of stocks, there is a need for investor protection against increased market volatility.Against this backdrop, the FSC has come up with a plan for further improvements in discretionary investment services as one of mid-and-long term asset management services.KEY CONTENTSI. Strengthened requirements for customiz
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Oct 10, 2011

Proposed Revision of Regulations on Financial Investment Business

BACKGROUNDWith the revision of Enforcement Decree of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (FSCMA) publicly announced on September 30, aimed at introducing home-grown hedge funds (tentatively named “specialized private equity funds”) to Korea’s capital markets, the FSC proposed a revision of Regulations on Financial Investment Business in order to stipulate details mandated under the revised Enforcement Decree.KEY CONTENTS OF THE REVISIONI. Regulations in regard with hedge funds1. Strengthened mechanism for preventing conflicts of interest arising from operations of hedge funds (Article 4-64)In order to prevent conflicts of interest, fund managers in charge of hedge fund operations, paid contingent remuneration, will be prohibited from operating other funds and discretionary investment assets, and sharing investment-related information.*In addition, it will be restricted for fund managers to directly or indirectly advertize names, investment performance and strategies of private equity funds including hedge funds.2. Criteria for hedge fund management firms and professionals(Companies) Asset management companies with a total of funds and assets under management more than KRW 10 trillion will be allowed to operate hedge fund management business.* “Track Record” criteria for securities and investment advisory firms(i) Securities firms with equity capital more than KRW 1 trillion(ii) Investment advisory firms with assets under management more than KRW 0.5 trillion(Persons in charge of hedge fund operation) Professionals with more than two years’ experience in securities investment who complete a training program provided by the Korea Financial Investment Association (KOFIA) regarding hedge fund operations*Persons with more than two years’ experience in operating overseas private equity funds are also qualified for hedge fund operations.3. Improved adjustments in calculating risk estimates (Article 4-54)The methods of calculating estimat
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Sep 27, 2011

Revision of Enforcement Decree of FSCMA Approved at Cabinet Meeting

BACKGROUNDThe proposed revision of the Enforcement Decree of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (FSCMA), aimed at introducing home-grown hedge funds (tentatively named “specialized private equity funds”) to Korea’s capital markets, was approved at the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, September 27, 2011.KEY CONTENTS OF THE REVISIONI. Creation of Hedge Funds1. The scope of hedge fund investors will be extended to individuals with risk-taking capability. (Article 271-2①)Currently, investments in private equity funds are allowed only to a limited number of “qualified investors” such as financial firms and pension funds. However, in order to provide more diverse investment opportunities, the revision will allow individuals who can invest KRW 500 million or more to join a hedge fund.2. The revision will bring about greater autonomy and creativity in asset management. (Article 271-2①②, Article 80⑥)(1) The requirement that private equity funds should invest more than 50% of their investments into companies under restructuring programs will be abolished so that hedge funds can invest in a wider range of assets such as securities, derivatives, and commodities.(2) Restrictions on leverage* and derivatives trading** will be eased so that hedge funds can employ more diverse investment strategies such as short selling and leverage.* Limits on leverage will be eased from 300% of fund assets to 400%.**Investments in derivatives, currently limited to 100% of fund assets in estimated maximum losses, will be allowed up to 400%, equivalent to restrictions currently applied to general private equity funds.3. A new category, “hybrid asset funds,” will be created for approval of hedge fund operations. Asset managers, securities firms and investment advisory firms that meet requirements* in equity capital, track record and expert fund managers will be given approval for hedge fund operations.(i) Hedge funds under the category of “hybrid asset funds
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Sep 18, 2011

FSC Suspended Seven Mutual Savings Banks

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) held a provisional meeting today and decided to suspend business operations of seven mutual savings banks – Jeil, Jeil II, Prime, Daeyeong, Ace, Parangsae, and Tomato – for six months.According to the result of the inspection by the FSS, six of the suspended savings banks – Jeil, Prime, Dae Young, Ace, Parangsae, and Tomato – were found to have their BIS capital adequacy ratio below 1%, and their debts exceed assets.As the plans for normalization submitted by the six savings banks were disapproved by the review committee, they were determined as insolvent and ordered to raise their capital adequacy ratios and normalize their businesses within 45 days in order to resume their operations.Jeil II was suspended because ①its BIS capital adequacy ratio is below 1%; ②there is a strong likelihood that the suspension of its parent company, Jeil, will lead to depositors’ bank runs, causing liquidity crunch; and ③it requested suspension.*Please read the attached file for details.
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Sep 15, 2011

FSC Chairman Gives Keynote Speech at the Economist Conference

FSC Chairman Kim Seok-dong attended The Bellwether Series: South Korea hosted by the Economist Intelligence Unit under the theme “The future of finance in Asia-Pacific” at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on September 15, 2011 to deliver his keynote address “Korea’s Financial Sector Development and Key Policies Ahead.”The conference, attended by more than 150 participants including the FSC, MOSF, the BOK, ADB, Moody’s, foreign ambassadors and CEOs, was aimed to help foreign opinion leaders residing in Korea better understand Korea’s economic and financial policies and stimulate foreign investment in Korea.*Please read the attached file for details.
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Sep 09, 2011

FSC/FSS to Host 18th Annual Conference of the IAIS

The Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service of Korea (FSC/FSS) will host the 18th Annual Conference of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) from September 29 to October 1, 2011, at the COEX Convention Center in Seoul. Approximately 500 insurance supervisors and industry representatives as well as senior officials from international organizations including the IMF and World Bank are expected to attend this year's conference. The theme for this year's meeting is "Toward a New Horizon for Insurance Supervision: Cross-Sector Cross-Border Harmonization and Cooperation," and discussions on wide-ranging supervision and industry issues and topics including insurance standards, risk management, and consumer protection are scheduled.The 2011 Annual Conference will be the third international conference on insurance supervision that the FSC/FSS hosts after the Asian Forum of Insurance Regulators in June 2007 and the IAIS Triannual Meetings in June 2008. The FSC/FSS is pleased to host this year's meetings and welcomes all IAIS members, observers, and guests to Seoul for the important gathering. As this year's Annual Conference demonstrates, the FSC/FSS will continue to support and contribute to the mission of the IAIS to set effective global insurance standards and facilitate supervisory cooperation across countries.Established in 1994, the IAIS is the international insurance standard-setting body representing insurance regulators and supervisors from 190 jurisdictions in some 140 countries and works closely with other financial sector standard-setting bodies and international organizations such as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the International Association of Securities Commissions to contribute to global financial stability. It is headed by Executive Committee with members representing various geographical regions and supported by three key committees in its work of issuing global insurance principles, stand
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Sep 05, 2011

Hotline Established among Financial Authorities in Korea, China and Japan

FSC Vice Chairman Shin Je-Yoon will be hosting a vice-minister-level conference call on September 6 at 10am with China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) and the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan.*Attendees: Shin Je-Yoon, Vice Chairman, Financial Services Commission, KoreaWang Zhaoxing, Vice Chairman, China Banking Regulatory Commission, China Masamichi Kono, Vice Commissioner, Financial Services Agency, JapanThe conference call was arranged out of shared recognition that close cooperation among the financial authorities in Korea, China and Japan has become all the more important in order to effectively respond to financial crises as anxiety heightens in global financial markets due to concerns about fiscal soundness of the US and Europe.*Korea first proposed to establish Korea-China-Japan hotline among the financial authorities, which was welcomed by China and Japan.Discussions will be made on the current conditions of the global economy and financial markets; and future outlook of the global economy. We will also exchange our opinions about each country’s current domestic financial market issues; and discuss details about how to operate the hotline such as whether to hold conference calls on a regular basis.*Please read the attached file for details.
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Aug 09, 2011

Temporary Ban on Short Selling

The Korean stock market has declined for six consecutive days since August 2, amid growing concerns over the possibility of U.S. economic recession and spreading of the European fiscal crisis.*KOSPI: 2172.31p (Aug. 1) → 1801.35p (Aug. 9), ∆370.96p (∆ 17.1%)In particular, over two days from August 8 to 9, the KOSPI has dropped 142.4 points, or7.44 % as the aftershock of the downgrade of the U.S. sovereign rating significantly increased volatility in the market.*There were the 5-minute suspensions of trading in the KOSPI market (“sidecars”) and the 20-minute suspensions of the Kosdaq market (“circuit breakers”) for two consecutive days.Short sales are significantly increasing in the falling markets, spreading market anxiety. The amount of short sales, which was KRW100 billion per day on average in the first half of this year, has recently surged over KRW 400 billion, exceeding the previous record high of KRW 234.6 billion since September 2008. Short sellers are mostly foreigners and institutions. From August 2 to 5, they sold an average of KRW 314.7 billion per day in short selling, accounting for 96.7% of the total short-selling transactions.Against this backdrop, the FSC has decided to temporarily ban short selling of all listed stocks in the Korea Exchange and Kosdaq markets for three months from August 10 to November 9.* In response to the global financial crisis in 2008, the FSC banned short selling of all listed stocks, starting October 1, 2008; and lifted the ban on non-financial stocks from June 1, 2009, while keeping the ban on financial stocks.During the same period of the three months, the FSC will temporarily ease restrictions on the amount of equities that securities issuers can buy back their own.* Please read the attached file for details.
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Jul 26, 2011

Revision Bill of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act

BACKGROUNDThe Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (“FSCMA”) was established in 2007 as a comprehensive overhaul of capital markets regulations in order to promote autonomy and innovation in capital markets.Since the FSCMA took effect in February 2009, however, we had to weather the impacts of the global financial crisis. As a result, we still fell short of bringing about innovative changes that we initially intended with the enactment of the FSCMA such as creation of globally competitive investment banks (IBs).Meanwhile, after the financial crisis, global discussions on strengthening financial regulations and global coordination have been underway; and now is the time for us to domestically carry out what we have discussed at the global level.Against this backdrop, we see this is the right time to lay the foundation for the future of Korea’s financial industry, while coping with current global and domestic financial issues (e.g. Europe’s fiscal crisis, Korea’s household debts).The FSC has drafted a revision bill of the FSCMA, made public for 20 days from July 27 to August 16.KEY REVISIONS TO THE FSCMAI. Development of Korean IBsFor the development of home-grown investment banks capable of financing new growth industries and large overseas projects,1. Securities companies that meet certain statutory requirements such as equity capital and risk* management capability will be qualified as investment banks (or “comprehensive financial investment services providers”).*Given that securities companies can start prime brokerage services just with a revision of the FSCMA Enforcement Decree, the minimum amount of equity capital for a security firm to provide investment banking services will be set at 3 trillion won, which could be further raised later depending on developments after the revision of the FSCMA.2. The revision bill has regulations on corporate lending, internalization of order execution in place in order to help IBs provide a comp
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Jul 20, 2011

Approval for Opening BBVA's Seoul Branch

Pursuant to Article 58 of the Banking Act, the FSC has approved BBVA’s application to open its branch in Seoul. With KRW 3 billion in capital A (initial operating capital), its Seoul branch will run banking business with focus on corporate lending and trade finance.The Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentina (BBVA), headquartered in Bilbao Spain, runs banking businesses in southern Europe and Latin America. As of end- 2010, its assets totaled 552.7 billion euros, and its BIS capital adequacy ratio was 13.6%.According to The Banker magazine’s Top 1000 World Banks ranking 2011, the BBVA ranked the world’s 28th by tier 1 capital and the 35th by assets.With the opening of BBVA Seoul branch, for the first time as a Spanish bank, there will be 38 foreign banks (16 countries) with a total of 54 branches operating in Korea.* Please refer to the attached PDF below.
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