Press Releases - Financial Services Commission

Press Releases

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Aug 12, 2026

Strengthened Investor Protection Measures to Take Effect from August 19 for Single-Stock Leveraged Products

The Financial Services Commission announced that a set of strengthened investor protection measures will take effect for single-stock leveraged (including inverse) products from August 19. As a follow-up to the previously announced measures (July 16 and July 29), the premium/discount rate (disparate ratio) management duty of securities firms will be strengthened and investors will need to complete a mock trading session before being able to invest in single-stock leveraged products from August 19. Key Measures (1) Strengthening the management of premium/discount rates On August 12, the FSC approved a revision to the Korea Exchange (KRX)s KOSPI market regulations bolstering securities firms premium/discount rate management duty on all exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) from the current level of 3 percent to 2 percent for domestically listed products and from the current level of 6 percent to 5 percent for overseas listed products. Along this line, the KRX is currently working on updating its own rules to effectively restrict securities firms (liquidity providers) that are found to have intentionally or repeatedly failed to observe the premium/discount rate management duty from newly supplying liquidity in the market. In addition, the process for designating an item to be included in the investment watchlist will be streamlined from the current three-stage process to a two-stage process. The strengthening of the premium/discount rate management duty is expected to help improve investor protection as there will be less chances that leveraged products are purchased at a higher price than the value of their underlying assets and sold at a lower price subsequently. (2) Offering a mock trading session for single-stock leveraged products The KRX will expand its mock trading service offering currently in place for futures and options traders and short-sellers for those investing in single-stock leveraged products (both domestically and overseas lis
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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 15, 2026

FSC Plans to Accelerate Structural Reforms in Finance to Facilitate National Goal of Making Korea Irreplaceable

The Financial Services Commission presented its work progress and policy agendas going forward on July 15 in a government work report session jointly held with the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Data and Statistics, and the Ministry of Planning and Budget under the theme of a great economic takeoff to usher in an irreplaceable Republic of Korea. At the work report session, Chairman Lee Eog-weon of the Financial Services Commission presented key policy progress and achievements in the first half of 2026 and outlined plans and tasks going forward. With the pursuit of a sweeping overhaul in the financial industry and the acceleration of structural reforms, Chairman Lee pledged to facilitate the national goal of making the Republic of Korea irreplaceable. Achievements in H1 2026 In the first half of 2026, the FSC has worked to produce tangible outcomes in our efforts to push for productive finance and transform the financial industry to make it more inclusive and compassionate. In the capital markets, the FSC established foundations to make a transition toward a Korea premium. Based on the four major principles of trust, shareholder value, innovation, and market access, the FSC has constantly worked to upgrade and seek improvements in our capital markets. As a result, the Korean stock markets have been able to escape from the chronic trap of boxed-in movements and start to gain momentum for growth. In this regard, corporate practices have also been showing signs of improvements, placing a higher priority on shareholder value, as more companies are making moves to increase cash dividends and expand the cancellation of treasury shares. The flow of funds in the financial sector has also begun to shift toward more productive sectors and away from the real estate market. After six months of launching the National Growth Fund (NGF), there are already 21 investment projects approved under the program for a value of about KRW14.6 trillion to help strengthen th
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Jun 23, 2026

FSC Launches Taskforce and Holds Kickoff Meeting to Seek Innovation in Capital Market Infrastructure

The Financial Services Commission launched a taskforce and held a kickoff meeting on seeking innovation in the capital market infrastructure on June 23. The taskforce aims to bring about improvements to the securities transactions and settlements infrastructure and facilitate a seamless digital transition and adoption of AI and blockchain technologies in the financial investment sector to boost the global competitiveness of Koreas capital markets. At the kickoff meeting, FSC Vice Chairman Kwon Dae-young delivered opening remarks underscoring the need to upgrade the capital market infrastructure and outlining key measures to achieve that goal. A Summary of Remarks by FSC Vice Chairman The taskforce will seek innovation in the capital market infrastructure with four basic principles centered on trust, shareholder protection, innovation, and market access. Today, market infrastructure has become more important than ever as it offers new experience for investors and provides a new impetus for market growth. In this regard, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies are rapidly making these changes. Therefore, this taskforce will make use of the collective capacity and efforts of the government, private sector, and academia to thoroughly examine the risks and opportunities of seeking innovation in the capital market infrastructure. First, the taskforce will seek to design a globally leading capital market infrastructure and investment environment. Authorities will aim to draw up a roadmap for the shortening of the settlement period as early as October this year to ensure predictability in policy implementation. The shortening of the settlement period will free up tied-up liquidity, which will help to boost market efficiency. Additionally, the Korea Exchange (KRX) plans to gradually extend the trading hours with the opening of an after-market from September 14 and a pre-market potentially from the end of 2027. Along this line, the Korea Securities Depository
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Apr 23, 2026

Revised FSCMA Introducing Cornerstone Investors Will Help to Bolster Price Stability in IPO Market

The Financial Services Commission announced that a revision bill for the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (FSCMA) intended to adopt the cornerstone investor system passed the plenary session of the National Assembly on April 23. Along with the previously passed bill on security token in January this year, this revision bill constitutes a crucial part of the governments capital market policy reform agendas. Key Revision Details a) Introducing preliminary book building 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. Under the current law, the act of soliciting for subscription is prohibited prior to the securities registration statement being filed. Thus, it could be seen as a violation of the law if a bookrunner seeks to survey demand (price, quantity, etc.) from institutional investors by providing them with company information prior to the filing of a securities registration statement. In this regard, the revised FSCMA will grant an exemption to this rule to allow preliminary demand forecasting. Bookrunners will be able to engage in preliminary book building to examine market demand from the stage of establishing an initial price band, and this will facilitate the process of price discovery and help them arrive at a more optimal market price. b) Establishing rules on cornerstone investors 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. In this regard, the revised FSCMA introduces the cornerstone investor system as an exemption to the rule prohibiting the solicitation or subscription prior to the filing of a securities registration statement. The introduction of cornerstone investors will help to foment investor confidence in the IPO market by ensuring a steady engagement of
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Apr 14, 2026

High-tech Industry Investment Worth KRW50 Trillion-plus Planned for Five Years through National Growth Fund

The Financial Services Commission announced that the private-public joint strategic committee on National Growth Fund (NGF) held its second committee meeting on April 14. At todays committee meeting, officials announced a second batch of investment megaprojects sought by the NGF and discussed specific investment plans that are aimed at strengthening the foundation of high-tech industries and their ecosystems. The second batch of megaprojects has been drawn up based on the significant impact each industrial project can have on high-tech industrial ecosystems and considering the need to promote the growth of regional economies. In this regard, under the second batch of megaprojects, the NGF will provide investment and/or lending support for the following high-tech strategic projects(a) next generation biotech and vaccines, (b) OLED display facility, (c) future mobility and defense, (d) sovereign artificial intelligence, (e) energy infrastructure development, and (f) Saemangeum development project (robotics, hydrogen, AI and energy). NGF Investment Plans for High-tech Industries The FSC plans to inject investments worth KRW50 trillion-plus for the next five years in the form of direct and/or indirect investment and lending support for the development of high-tech industries and their value chains to foster the creation of strong and innovative industrial bases. a) KRW35 trillion in indirect investment via private-public joint investment fund A private-public joint investment fund in the amount of KRW35 trillion will be operated through 20 different types of feeder funds to help close the loophole in investment blind spots across various industries. This will facilitate a bold injection of investment support in the areas that have been previously overlooked by policy-based funds in the past. With the establishment of a scale-up fund and an ultra-long-term (minimum 10 years) technology investment fund, large-scale growth capital and long-term investment will be provided
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Apr 06, 2026

Real-Time Balance Reconciliation and Enhanced Internal Control Required for Virtual Asset Exchanges

The Financial Services Commission held a meeting with five major domestic virtual asset exchange service providers and the Digital Asset Exchange Alliance (DAXA) on April 6 to discuss the outcome of inspections carried out in the wake of Bithumbs erroneous payout incident and to discuss measures for improvement. At the meeting, the DAXA and the five major virtual asset exchange service providers announced a joint resolution intended to prevent payment accidents in the future and regain trust from the market by upgrading the industrys self-regulatory framework and strengthening internal control mechanisms. Inspection Results and Improvement Measures An emergency response unit was set up in February in the wake of Bithumbs erroneous payout incident to closely inspect virtual asset exchange service providers for their handling of user assets, vulnerabilities in their operating systems, and internal control mechanisms. a) Inadequacy in ledger-to-wallet balance reconciliation Three out of five virtual asset exchange service providers were found to have in place a ledger-to-wallet balance reconciliation process operating on a 24-hour basis, making them incapable of timely responses when an accidental payout takes place. Additionally, inspections revealed that virtual asset exchange service providers had no adequate preparations for kill switches, which would enable them to immediately halt transactions upon finding a significant gap is the ledger-to-wallet balance reconciliation. Although external verification through accounting firms is taking place on a quarterly basis, information disclosure in this regard is only taking place perfunctorily. In this regard, virtual asset exchange service providers will be required to set up a ledger-to-wallet balance reconciliation system on a real-time basis (every five minutes) to ensure immediate responses in case a payment accident takes place. Additionally, there will be specific criteria introduced for initiating an automated kil
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Mar 30, 2026

Capital Market Rules Change Proposed to Strengthen Regulations on Disclosure of Treasury Share Holding Status

The Financial Services Commission proposed capital market rules change on March 30 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 recently revised Commercial Act. Under the revised Commercial Act, listed companies are required to cancel treasury shares within one year in principle (within one year and six months for treasury shares acquired prior to the revised law taking effect). For exceptional cases when the retention of treasury shares is deemed to be necessary for employee compensation or other management purposes, listed companies are required to obtain an approval for their retention/disposal plan from the general shareholders meeting. In this regard, the FSC proposes the following rules change to make sure a seamless implementation of the mandatory treasury cancellation requirement under the revised Commercial Act. First, all listed companies will be required to disclose their treasury stock retention status and disposal plans. Second, there will be regulatory reforms regarding the disposal of treasury shares by trust businesses, the issuance of exchangeable bonds backed by treasury shares, and the sale of treasury shares. First, the rules change is proposed to enhance transparency in the disclosure of listed companies treasury share retention and disposal plans and their actual implementation status, and to expand the application of the treasury share disclosure rule to all listed companies. Under the revised Commercial Act, companies are required to indicate in their treasury share retention and disposal plans the purpose of retention and/or disposal, retention status, retention period, and time for disposal. However, if a specific time for disposal is yet to be decided at the time of shareholders approval, it remains difficult for investors and ordinary shareholders to clearly understand the companys treasury share dis
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Feb 23, 2026

FSC Introduces Measures to Promote Sound Development of Mutual Savings Banks

Chairman Lee Eog-weon of the Financial Services Commission held a meeting with the CEOs of twelve mutual savings banks and related organizations and discussed ways to promote sound development of mutual savings banks on February 23. A Summary of Remarks by FSC Chairman Amid an enduring risk of default originating from real estate market volatility, digital transition in the financial industry, and a polarization in the savings banks sector, it is now crucial to have a structural transformation in the industry for the survival and growth of savings banks. Against this backdrop, the FSC has prepared a set of measures to promote sound development of savings banks to facilitate their transition away from the short-term profit driven and community-centered operational model toward a more real economy-oriented and nationwide operational approach. In this regard, the financial intermediary function of savings banks should move away from real estate and collateral operations toward the real economy sector, such as SMEs, MMEs, and small merchants, in a more balanced way. To help savings banks retain their competitiveness amid changing business environment, the FSC will seek to overhaul relevant regulations pertaining to their operating practices. In order to propel a transition toward productive finance and remove regulatory hurdles for savings banks, a condition of sound management practices should be met. Therefore, the FSC also plans to carry out regulatory reforms regarding the soundness and governance structure of savings banks commensurate with the size and role of savings banks. Key Measures a) Promoting a transition toward productive finance and upgrading rules on operating practices to make them more reasonable The FSC will seek to overhaul regulations to make the financial intermediary function of savings banks more balanced across the real economy, transitioning away from the real estate sector toward SMEs, MMEs, and small merchants. To this end, the FSC will seek
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Feb 11, 2026

Household Loans, January 2026

In January 2026, the outstanding balance of household loans across all financial sectors increased KRW1.4 trillion (preliminary), turning back up from the decline of KRW1.2 trillion in the previous month. (By Type) Home-backed mortgage loans increased KRW3.0 trillion, growing at a faster rate compared with the previous month (up KRW2.3 trillion). Mortgage loans dropped at a slightly faster rate in the banking sector (down KRW0.5 trillion down KRW0.6 trillion), but rose at a faster rate in the nonbanking sector (up KRW2.8 trillion up KRW3.6 trillion). Other types of loans edged down KRW1.7 trillion, declining at a slower rate compared with the previous month (down KRW3.6 trillion), as credit loans dropped at a slower pace (down KRW2.5 trillion down KRW1.0 trillion). (By Sector) In January 2026, household loans in the banking sector saw a drop of KRW1.0 trillion, declining at a slower rate compared with the previous month (down KRW2.0 trillion). Banks own mortgage loan products fell at a faster rate (down KRW1.4 trillion down KRW1.7 trillion), while policy-based mortgage loans rose at a slightly faster rate (up KRW0.9 trillion up KRW1.1 trillion). Other types of loans including credit loans declined at a slower rate (down KRW1.5 trillion down KRW0.4 trillion). In the nonbanking sector, household loans rose KRW2.4 trillion, growing at an expanded level from a month ago (up KRW0.8 trillion). Mutual finance businesses (up KRW2.0 trillion up KRW2.3 trillion) saw household loans edging up more rapidly, while insurance companies (down KRW0.02 trillion down KRW0.2 trillion) saw household loans declining at a faster rate. Specialized credit finance businesses (down KRW0.8 trillion down KRW0.02 trillion) saw household loans declining at a slower rate, while savings banks (down KRW0.5 trillion up KRW0.3 trillion) saw household loans shifting back up from a decline seen in the previous month. (Assessment) In January 2026, the outstanding balance of household loans edged up KRW1.
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Dec 22, 2025

FSC Puts Forward Capital Market Reform Plans to Support Sustainable Foundation for Innovative Growth Ecosystem

Chairman Lee Eog-weon of the Financial Services Commission presided over the third meeting on propelling a transition to productive finance with officials from the venture industry, financial institutions, market infrastructure providers, and experts on December 22. At todays meeting, officials discussed plans for capital market reform initiatives intended to transform capital markets into a key platform for propelling innovative growth. In his opening remarks, FSC Chairman Lee laid out four major policy initiatives put forward by the government. A Summary of Opening Remarks by FSC Chairman Throughout history, some of the key technologies and innovative ventures, such as the Internet, smartphone, and autonomous driving technology, have been born out of bold investment and infrastructure restructuring by the government together with the private sectors inventiveness and push for drive. Capital market constitutes a platform where this type of collaborative effort by the public and private sectors can most effectively result in innovation. Since the market can selectively determine future potential and bear risks to invest in long-term growth, it can serve as the most appropriate and productive platform to push for a productive finance drive. In this regard, the government plans to pursue capital market reform measures intended to boost the efficiency in the functioning of capital market infrastructures and facilitate a more seamless interconnection between the financial sector and innovative companies. First, from a market infrastructure perspective, in order to ensure safety in the transactions of startup and venture stocks, authorities will allow the entry of electronic securities registries specializing in unlisted stocks. With the introduction of electronic registration of securities tailored for small scale and unlisted stocks, there will be increased convenience for stock transactions and management, which will also help startups and venture businesses to raise
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Dec 15, 2025

FSC Holds Market Monitoring Meeting and Decides on Continuous Operation of Market Stabilization Programs

Chairman Lee Eog-weon of the Financial Services Commission presided over a meeting with relevant authorities, research institutions, and market experts on December 15 to review financial market conditions and risk factors going forward. A Summary of FSC Chairmans Remarks In the first half of this year, there were growing anxieties over financial markets due to the Trump administrations tariff policy and uncertainties regarding domestic politics. However, in the second half of the year, the Korean economy and market conditions recovered backed by rigorous policy efforts of the new government and improvement in corporate earnings in the semiconductor sector. Despite this overall sense of stability, there is growing vigilance over domestic financial markets with government bond yields showing an upward movement and the foreign exchange market showing an expanded level of volatility recently. Nonetheless, the Korean economy is sufficiently equipped with the resilience and the policy capacity to respond to crisis situations backed by strong fundamentals. First, domestic financial institutions have been maintaining an adequate level of soundness. Second, Koreas foreign exchange reserve is the ninth largest in the world. Third, credit default swap (CDS) premium in Korea has been brought down significantly from the beginning of this year. In addition, some of the potential risk factors and structural problems for the economy, such as household debt, real estate project finance, and the soundness of nonbank financial institutions, are also being adequately addressed and stably managed through ongoing policy measures. However, since it is possible to see growing market volatility in the future, the FSC will continue to closely work with related authorities to carefully monitor market conditions and take bold and proactive steps to employ market stabilization measures when it becomes necessary. Next year, the FSC will strive to push for major transformation in the financial in
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Nov 19, 2025

FSC Announces Designation of CFIBEs and Capital Market Rules Change to Propel Supply of Venture Capital

The Financial Services Commission announced the designation of comprehensive financial investment business entities (CFIBEs)at the 20th regular meeting held on November 19. The FSC decided to designate Korea Investment Securities and Mirae Asset Securities as CFIBEs with the minimum equity capital level of KRW8 trillion, while Kiwoom Securities has been designated as a CFIBE with the minimum equity capital level of KRW4 trillion. Kiwoom Securities has also been authorized to engage in a short-term financing business. The newly designated CFIBEs have each been making relevant preparations for the operation of investment management account (IMA) and promissory note services, by acquiring the satisfactory level of personnel and facilities capacities, preparing internal control mechanisms, and setting up measures to prevent conflicts of interest. Korea Investment Securities and Mirae Asset Securities plan to develop IMA products with the goal of introducing them in the market within this year. Kiwoom Securities also plan to introduce promissory notes within this year. This will help to open up and diversify investment options and mechanisms made available for the public and facilitate the sharing of profits from CFIBEs asset management services. Meanwhile, the government approved the revision bill for the Enforcement Decree of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (FSCMA) at the cabinet meeting held on November 18, 2025. The revised rules, which make CFIBEs subject to the supply of venture capital, are intended to propel the financial investment sectors transition toward productive finance. Along with expected revisions to subordinate rules and regulations, the revised Enforcement Decree will take effect next week (between November 25 and 27). Key Revision Details Requiring CFIBEs to supply venture capital To promote more active supply of venture capital from the CFIBEs that are engaged in IMA and promissory note services, the revised rules will make
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Oct 22, 2025

Government Approves Capital Market Rule Changes to Strengthen Response against Unfair Trading Activities

The Financial Services Commission announced on October 22 that the government has approved regulatory changes regarding the Enforcement Decree of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (FSCMA) and subordinate regulations with aims to strengthen early response and bring more stern measures against unfair trading activities in capital markets. The revised Enforcement Decree will go into effect from October 28 and the subordinate regulations from October 22. Key Revision Details I. Establish a regulatory ground to upgrade KRXs surveillance system to make it more individually-focused (from account-based system previously) Under the current system, the KRX performs market surveillance based on accountsnot based on individualsas it is not authorized to make use of investors personal information. As such, the scope of surveillance remains too broad and it has been difficult to identify the activities linked to the same entity. Thus, this revision authorizes the KRXs market surveillance committeein its surveillance capacityto process investors personal data (resident registration number in pseudonymized form). Based on this, the KRX will be able to perform more individually-focused market surveillance. This transition from the current account-based to a more individual-centered approach will help to boost the efficiency in market surveillance as surveillance targets will be reduced by about 39 percent. Moreover, it will allow the authorities to more effectively and quickly find out and identify whether certain activities have been carried out by the same entity, what and how much role did the rule-breaker play in manipulating stock prices, and whether there was cross trading involved. This individual-centered market surveillance system at the KRX will begin to operate from October 28 after conducting a series of test operations with business members (57 securities firms in total). II. Strengthen the criteria for imposing penalty surcharges and introduce a
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Sep 19, 2025

FSC Holds Inaugural Meeting on Transforming Financial Industry for Productive Finance

Chairman Lee Eog-weon of the Financial Services Commission presided over the inaugural meeting on transforming the financial industry and seeking a transition toward productive finance on September 19. Todays meeting was joined by industry representatives from different regions and officials from different business sectors and sizes who shared their ideas and suggestions in collaborative efforts to seek growth in both the real economy and financial sectors. Key Measures I. Transforming Financial Industry for Productive Finance In his opening remarks, FSC Chairman Lee said that the Korean economy is currently standing at an inflection point where the role of finance is considered to be ever more critical in providing solutions to various problems, such as low growth and wealth gap, and rebooting growth in the economy. To seek a transition toward productive finance, Chairman Lee introduced plans to pursue transformation of the following three areaspolicy finance, financial business, and capital markets. (Policy Finance) Policy financial institutions will lead the channeling of capital toward high-tech and venture businesses and local economies. The KRW150 trillion National Growth Fund intended for future strategic industries and their supply chains and infrastructures will provide targeted investments. The role of policy financial institutions for providing guarantees on real estate financing will be downsized, while that for providing technology financing will be boosted. At the same time, policy financial institutions will develop region-specific financing models intended to spur growth of local economies. (Financial Business) By seeking improvements to the overall supervisory framework, specific sector-targeted transition measures will be pursued. In this regard, capital regulation in the banking and insurance sectors will be upgraded to bring them to more reasonable levels and to facilitate banks and insurance businesses to more actively supply capital to producti
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Sep 07, 2025

Authorities Hold Meeting and Announce Additional Measures to Strengthen Household Debt Management

The Financial Services Commission held a meeting on household debt with officials from related government ministries, industry groups, and housing loan and guarantee institutions on September 7 and announced additional measures to tighten household debt management to implement the governments housing supply expansion plan. At the meeting, officials assessed that household debt growth decelerated amid the implementation of the strengthened household debt management measures (announced on June 27). However, the pace of growth expanded somewhat in August with housing prices also increasing in certain regions. In addition, officials pointed out that due to recent expectation about interest rate cuts, there exists market expectation for rising real estate prices. In this regard, officials viewed that it is necessary to introduce additional measures, while ensuring a consistent implementation of the June 27 household debt management measures. Additional Measures to Strengthen Household Debt Management Strengthen Loan-to-Value Regulation in Regulated Areas (50% 40%) The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio applied on mortgage loans for purchasing homes in the speculation regulated areas will be tightened to 40 percent from the previous level of 50 percent. This will help to contain demand for loans especially in the speculation regulated areas, while helping to improve the soundness management for both households and financial companies. Restrict Loans to Private Housing Business Entities (LTV = 0%) The loan-to-value ratio applied on mortgage loans for those registered as housing business entities (for purchasing and leasing purposes) will be set at zero percent in the Seoul metropolitan area and/or speculation regulated zones, which will help to restrict the issuance of business loans in ways that could bypass the tightened mortgage rules. However, as there are concerns about potential shortages in rental housing, exemptions may be granted for newly built housing units upon approval
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Jul 09, 2025

Authorities Lay Out Plans to Stamp Out Unfair Trading Activities in Stock Markets

The Financial Services Commission, the Financial Supervisory Service, and the Korea Exchange introduced joint measures to stamp out unfair trading activities in stock markets on July 9. The financial authorities have held a series of meetings and discussions in the past month to seek ways to strengthen initial response and ensure strict punishment on unfair trading activities (price manipulation, etc.). The following measures have been prepared based on these discussions. Key Measures I. Establish a Joint Response Team to Root Out Stock Price Manipulation Under the current response system for unfair trading activities, the examination (KRX) and investigation (FSC FSS) functions are dispersed across different organizations, and they each have different levels of authority, for instance, to check financial (securities or bank) accounts or force investigation. This led to the problem of delay in responding to cases which required urgent actions from the authorities. Thus, in order to boost the efficiency in examination and investigation, the FSC, the FSS, and the KRX plan to establish a joint response team to root out stock price manipulation. The joint response team, a collaborative operation among the FSC, the FSS, and the KRX, will be set up at the KRX with an aim to bolster the initial response function of KRXs market surveillance committee. The joint response team will work under the same workspace and perform investigations on important cases that require urgent response together from the early stage. In the process, each organization (FSC, FSS, and KRX) will make utmost use of its investigative authority to promptly carry out investigations on cases associated with (a) frequent rule-breakers, (b) largest shareholder or company executives, (c) use of false information on social media, etc. II. Upgrade KRXs Surveillance System to Make It More Individually-focused (from account-based system currently) and Adopt AI Technology in Market Surveillance Under the current
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Apr 23, 2025

FSC Chairman Visits Boston and New York to Strengthen Financial Cooperation

Chairman Kim Byoung Hwan of the Financial Services Commission visited Boston and New York, the United States on April 21-22. On April 21, Chairman Kim visited Bostons biotech cluster and held a meeting with the investment companies and Korean biotech firms operating in the U.S. to seek insights on ways to bring about regulatory improvements to promote Koreas biotech venture investment. On April 22, Chairman Kim visited New York and had meetings with Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman and Korean financial companies that have established business operations in New York. Visit to Boston Visit to KHIDIs U.S. Office On April 21, Chairman Kim visited the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI)s U.S. office in Boston to gain overall insights into the regions biotech cluster (Kendall Square, aka the most innovative square mile on the planet), which is the worlds largest biotech venture ecosystem hosting more than a thousand biotech companies, research institutions, hospitals, and universities. During his visit, Chairman Kim was also briefed about Korean biotech companies operating in the U.S. and the support made available by the KHIDI. Meeting with Venture Capital Investors Chairman Kim held a meeting with a group of Korean venture capitalists operating in Bostons biotech cluster to seek diverse opinions and gain insights on ways to cultivate a biotech venture investment ecosystem in Korea. At the meeting, Chairman Kim said that Koreas venture investment has declined after reaching a peak in 2021-2022, particularly in the biotech sector associated with high risks where long-term investments are required. Since investors may face difficulties in making an exit in the biotech industry, Chairman Kim said that there are concerns over a potential fall in the biotech venture ecosystem. In this regard, Chairman Kim sought diverse recommendations and opinions from participants that will help to foster a biotech venture ecosystem in Korea. Visit to AVEO Oncology Chairman
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Apr 14, 2025

New Sanctions Mechanisms on Unfair Trading and Illegal Short Sale Activities to Take Effect from April 23

The Financial Services Commission announced that the government approved the revision bill for the Enforcement Decree of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (FSCMA) intended to establish new sanctions mechanisms against unfair trading and illegal short sale activities at the cabinet meeting held on April 14. The revised Enforcement Decree is scheduled to go into effect on April 23, 2025 along with the revised FSCMA and subordinate regulations. Background The government has continuously worked to strengthen monetary sanctions through the introduction of penalty surcharge and the increased level of fine imposable against unfair trading and illegal short sale activities in capital markets. However, in order to more effectively prevent the recurrence of unfair trading activities, the need for introducing non-monetary sanctions mechanismssuch as an account freeze and a restriction from being appointed or serving as an executive officer at listed companieshas been called for taking examples from major overseas countries, such as the U.S., Hong Kong, and Canada. Therefore, this revision bill introduces the following non-monetary sanctions mechanisms(a) a restriction for rule-breakers from engaging in transactions of financial investment products and being appointed or serving as an executive at listed companies and (b) an account freeze (payment suspension) on the accounts suspected to have been used in unfair trading or illegal short sale activities. Key Revision Details I. Restriction from Engaging in Transactions of Financial Investment Products Application of Regulation Under the revised FSCMA, the FSC is authorized to restrict rule-breakers (those who have engaged in unfair trading and/or illegal short sale activities) from engaging in transactions of financial investment products for up to five years depending on the nature, seriousness, period, frequency, and the level of unfairly gained profits of the rule-breaking activities. In this regard,
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Apr 09, 2025

FSC Introduces Plans to Improve Competitiveness of Corporate Financing by Securities Businesses

The Financial Services Commission announced plans to improve the competitiveness of corporate financing by securities businesses on April 9. Under the newly introduced plans, comprehensive financial investment business entities (CFIBEs hereinafter) will be subject to increased credit granting limits for corporate financing and required to supply 25 percent of capital raised from promissory notes and investment management account (IMA) for venture capital. The IMA scheme, which was first introduced in 2017 but has not been utilized since, will go through improvements. Based on the improved IMA scheme, the process for designating CFIBEs that are eligible to handle promissory notes and IMA will begin within this year. Moreover, the plans contain measures to provide incentives for overseas expansion of securities firms and regulatory reforms intended to bolster the soundness management over derivatives-linked securities (DLS) and derivatives-linked bonds (DLB). In June this year, the FSC plans to prepare and announce detailed measures to strengthen the soundness of real estate financing and liquidity management by securities firms and ways to improve rules on the soundness of CFIBEs. FSC Chairman Holds Meeting with CEOs of CFIBEs On April 9, FSC Chairman Kim Byoung Hwan held a meeting with the CEOs of ten major CFIBEs and introduced the governments plans to improve the competitiveness of corporate financing by securities firms centered on regulatory improvements for CFIBEs. At the meeting, Chairman Kim and the participants discussed future directions for securities businesses in sustaining an innovative growth of our economy and promoting value-up in capital markets. In his opening remarks, Chairman Kim underscored the important role of capital markets in making sure that our economy maintains vitality and continues to grow in the future. In this regard, Chairman Kim said that the plans being introduced today are intended to boost the role of securities businesses in co
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