Press Releases - Financial Services Commission

Press Releases

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Apr 08, 2020

Household Loans, March 2020

The outstanding balance of household loans in all financial sectors rose KRW9.1 trillion (up 5.6% year-on-year) at the end of March 2020.By types, mortgage loans increased KRW5.2 trillion in March (up 5.5% year-on-year). Regular mortgage loans, jeonse loans and group lending expanded KRW6.3 trillion in the banking sector, while non-banks saw a drop of KRW1 trillion due to the availability of refinancing products with lower interest mortgage loans. Other types of loans rose KRW3.9 trillion (up 5.6% year-on-year) due to a rise in credit lending.The government will closely monitor trends in household loans as the outstanding balance of household loans by financial institutions is expected to increase in April due to a rising demand for loans amid the COVID-19 pandemic.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Apr 08, 2020

Plans to Improve Rules on Exemption for Misconduct in Financial Services

The FSC and the FSS announced on April 7 the plans to improve the rules on exemption for sanctions on misconduct in financial services. The plans are aimed at removing financial services workers’ concerns about the possibility of sanctions and promoting their active role in offering loans and other financial support to the businesses in need in crisis situations as with COVID-19 as well as in providing sufficient capital to innovative start-ups with their business setup and scale-up.The financial regulators will change the relevant rules and regulations to promptly implement the improvements to the exemption rules. The changed rules will significantly reduce uncertainties about the application of sanctions for financial services workers who are at the forefront of delivering the government’s COVID-19 emergency support funds to the businesses in need.KEY IMPROVEMENTS► APPLICATION OF EXEMPTIONS: (i) (DISASTER) Provision of loans and other financial services to crisis-hit businesses, as with COVID-19, and (ii) (INNOVATION) a variety of innovative financial services, such as movable asset-based financing, venture capital investment for innovative start-ups and SME loans based on their technological prowess and future growth potential will be exempted from sanctions for misconduct in financial services.The FSC may decide to grant sanctions exemptions for additional financial services based on the developments of the government’s financial and/or industrial policies, the innovativeness of financial services and the urgency consideration.A new confirmation process will be set up to remove grey areas through which financial institutions are able to request a confirmation of sanctions exemption from the FSC for particular loan or investment programs offered by their institutions.► NO ‘INTENT OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE’ RULE: Due to the highly specialized knowledge of financial workers, a strict rule of intent and gross negligence has been applied thus far. However, gi
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Apr 08, 2020

Strengthening Support for Vulnerable Debtors

The government unveiled its plans to strengthen support for vulnerable debtors at the 4th Crisis Management Meeting held on April 8. The government will help set up a KRW2 trillion new facility at the Korea Asset Management Corporation, which will be used to purchase overdue debts and help alleviate debt burdens of vulnerable debtors.BACKGROUNDThe prolonging economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 has led to unpaid leaves and loss of work opportunities for many individuals, which may contribute to an increasing number of cases where individuals are unable to service their debts. Against this backdrop, the government introduced the plans to help prevent vulnerable debtors from turning into delinquent debtors by expanding the eligibility of pre-workout programs by individual financial institutions, strengthening the debt adjustment support provided at the Credit Counseling Recovery Service and establishing a new facility for purchasing overdue personal debts.KEY MEASURESI. PRE-WORKOUT PROGRAM FOR DEBTORS WITHOUT MULTIPLE DEBTSFrom the end of April, vulnerable debtors whose income levels have fallen due to COVID-19, that have difficulties servicing household debts and are facing a risk of debt overdue may use pre-workout programs offered by individual financial institutions. A 6- to 12-month deferment of principal payment will be provided by all financial institutions until the end of this year. The pre-workout programs may be extended thereafter if deemed necessary.II. DEBT ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM FOR DEBTORS WITH MULTIPLE DEBTSFrom the end of April, multiple-debt holders whose income levels have fallen due to COVID-19, that have difficulties servicing debts and are facing a risk of debt overdue may use debt adjustment programs offered by the Credit Counseling Recovery Service. The CCRS’ debt adjustment programs offer up to one year of deferment of principal payment for at-risk debtors (including short-term debtors of less than three months) as well as debt reduction fo
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Apr 06, 2020

Current Situation in Financial Markets and Government's Policies

WHAT ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT FOR LOW-GRADE CORPORATE BONDS AND COMMERCIAL PAPER NOT COVERED BY THE BOND MARKET STABILIZATION FUND?The bond market stabilization fund is aimed at supporting the issuance of investment-grade corporate bonds. If the Bank of Korea begins to offer lending support for non-bank financial institutions, it is expected to take some loads off the bond market stabilization fund, which may create some room for considering the purchase of certain types of low-grade corporate bonds as well.For low-grade corporate bonds and commercial paper, other financing support programs such as primary collateralized bond obligations (P-CBOs) are available through policy banks. It is the government’s policy to prevent bankruptcies due to a temporary liquidity shortage from COVID-19.PRIOR TO THE PROVISION OF FINANCING SUPPORT TO LARGE COMPANIES, WHAT SELF-RESCUE MEASURES SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN?For businesses eligible to apply for the emergency support package, the government will make available financing support to all businesses regardless of their size or sector. However, the KRW100 trillion package cannot possibly cover all business financing demands.Unlike small merchants and SMEs, many large companies still remain capable of financing their businesses through market mechanisms. The corporate financing support programs in the past also required self-rescue efforts by large companies, including a requirement to pay a certain portion for refinancing their debt and to buy back a portion of securities in P-CBO programs.If it becomes necessary in the future, the government will draw up plans to further reduce the financing burdens for large companies.HOW DOES THE SUPPORT PACKAGE AFFECT THE SOUNDNESS OF THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS?The soundness of the financial institutions remains strong currently. The banks’ BIS ratio and bad debt ratio improved compared with the previous crisis levels. In the process of the implementation of the emergency financial su
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Apr 03, 2020

FSC Selects Another Fintech Firm as Designated Agent to Provide Financial Services

The FSC announced on April 2 that Nice Business Platform has been selected as a designated agent to provide financial services on behalf of Mirae Asset Capital.Using big data and artificial intelligence, Nice Business Platform will provide real-time evaluation and discount offering services on electronic bills and accounts receivable.For small and medium-sized businesses, this provides an alternative way of having their credit evaluated and businesses funded through accounts receivable financing.The FSC has thus far selected 28 fintech firms as the designated agents to provide financial services on behalf of financial companies since this system was first introduced in May 2018.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Apr 03, 2020

Market Monitoring Meeting Reaffirms Financing Support for Businesses Affected by COVID-19

FSC Chairman Eun sung-soo convened a market monitoring meeting on April 3 and reaffirmed the government’s position to help prevent businesses from going bankrupt due to a temporary liquidity crunch from COVID-19.The government’s emergency financial support package announced on March 24 has expanded the target group to include large companies from the initial target of SMEs and middle market enterprises.The ultimate aim of the business financing support programs included in the package is to help restore market functions of the financial markets so that businesses are able to raise necessary capital through market mechanisms.Unlike small merchants and SMEs, many large companies are capable of financing their businesses through market mechanisms. Thus, large companies need to make most use of their reserve funds and other market-based financing channels primarily before turning to the government supported programs.As a last resort, policy banks will decide the provision of financing support to large companies on a case by case basis if their self-rescue efforts and the government supported programs are found to be insufficient.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Apr 02, 2020

Vice Chairman Calls for Swift Delivery of COVID-19 Financial Support

FSC Vice Chairman Sohn Byungdoo held a meeting via conference call on April 2 to check updates on the implementation status of the government’s COVID-19 emergency support package and financial market stabilization measures. During the meeting, Vice Chairman Sohn emphasized the importance of swift delivery of the support to those who need it.COVID-19 FINANCIAL SUPPORT PROVIDEDBetween February 7 and March 30, a total of KRW19.9 trillion (206,000 individual cases) in loans and guarantees as well as loan and guarantee extensions were provided to the SMEs, small merchants and self-employed businesses owners that have been hit by the spread of COVID-19.► FINANCING BY TYPE: KRW 9.1 trillion (128,000 cases) in new loans and guarantees, KRW 9.9 trillion (68,000 cases) in maturity extensions and deferred payments, and KRW 800 billion (11,000 cases) in export-import credit finance, discounted interest rates and late fees and deferment of interest payments► FINANCING BY TARGET: KRW9.2 trillion (167,000 cases) to small merchants and self-employed business owners and KRW10.6 trillion (32,000 cases) to SMEs and middle market enterprises► FINANCING BY INDUSTRY: KRW3.1 trillion (26,000 cases) to wholesale businesses, KRW1.9 trillion (49,000 cases) to restaurant businesses and KRW1.7 trillion (34,000 cases) to retail businesses► FINANCING BY PROVIDER: KRW9.3 trillion (125,000 cases) by policy banks and KRW10.6 trillion (82,000 cases) by private financial institutions * Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Apr 02, 2020

2020 Korea Fintech Week to be Held as Virtual Expo

The FSC announced on April 1 that the 2020 Korea Fintech Week originally scheduled to be held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul from May 28 to 30 will be held as a virtual expo due to public health concerns amid the spread of COVID-19.As such, Korea’s second international fintech exposition will be held virtually under the theme of “Fintech for Open Innovation,” with virtual exhibitions displaying innovative fintech services for online visitors, while canceling the on-site exhibitions and events at DDP. The virtual exhibitions will feature videos and digital contents developed by fintech firms and financial companies.The virtual exhibitions (www.fintechweek.or.kr/2020) will be open for public viewing from Thursday, May 28, 2020.Fintech firms and financial companies wishing to participate in the 2020 Virtual Korea Fintech Week can apply online by visiting www.fintechcenter.or.kr.The government plans to actively promote Korea’s fintech firms abroad and assist them with overseas business opportunities by inviting financial authorities from other countries to the virtual exhibitions.For further information, please contact the Fintech Center Korea via email at fintechweek@fintechcenter.or.kr or by phone at +82-70-4150-4490 or +82-70-8873-9006.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Apr 01, 2020

FSC Adds 9 More Innovative Financial Services to Regulatory Sandbox at 1-Year Anniversary

The FSC added nine more innovative financial solutions to the financial regulatory sandbox on April 1, bringing the total number of ‘innovative financial services’ to 102 at the one-year anniversary of the launching of the regulatory sandbox program. FSC Chairman Eun Sung-soo stated that, despite the current adversity of COVID-19, the increased number of untact transactions in financial services, the advancement and convergence of big data and artificial intelligence and the expansion of cloud computing and IT security solutions will further accelerate innovation in the financial industry. While working to overcome the current adversity, Chairman Eun stressed the importance of cooperation between the government, fintech firms and all other market participants to continue to bring innovative solutions in the financial sectors.OVERVIEW OF NEWLY ADDED ‘INNOVATIVE FINANCIAL SERVICES’1. A corporate research institute tasked with RD projects focused on developing new financial technologies through cooperation with other fintechs and IT firms (KakaoBank)2. A mobile-based overseas stock investment platform which allows retail investors to make small-amount investments in foreign stocks (Qarasoft Mirae Asset Daewoo)3. A healthcare platform which connects health enhancement service providers and health insurance providers offering insurance plans which incentivize the use of health enhancement programs (SCOR Reinsurance)4. A non-recourse accounts receivable factoring service (Korea Credit Guarantee Fund)5. A small-sum overseas remittance service using automated currency exchange kiosks (Bellsoft)6. A personal tailored asset management service which tracks and analyzes users’ spending and saving patterns in real time (Rainist)7. A mobile-based insurance coupon issuance platform which offers prepaid insurance coupons at a discounted rate to be used in insurance premium payment in the future (Hyundai Marine Fire Insurance)89. One-stop online stock exchange platforms fo
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Apr 01, 2020

On-site Support Visits to Facilitate Delivery of COVID-19 Financial Support Package

The COVID-19 financial support package prepared for small merchants, SMEs and middle market enterprises is made available through diverse banking and non-banking channels beginning on April 1. As such, the financial authorities along with the heads of public financial institutions and relevant federations will carry out on-site support visits from April 1 to 3 in order to facilitate the implementation of the financial package and help resolve difficulties in the process of delivery.The purpose of the on-site support visits by the financial authorities is to ensure a seamless delivery of the financial support by closely communicating with both recipients and employees of financial institutions.The authorities will closely listen to the voices from the field and work to mitigate inconveniences, while improving relevant rules and regulations where necessary.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Mar 31, 2020

Open Financial Database to be Introduced through Open API in April

The FSC will begin to make available to the public approximately 44 million counts of public financial data held by the FSC and nine other financial institutions through open API beginning in early April. The open database on public financial data has been organized into five thematic categories, which can be accessed through www.data.go.kr. The government expects that this new open financial database will contribute to the promotion of financial innovation and big data industry and to the creation of new businesses and jobs.5 KEY CATEGORIES► INTEGRATED CORPORATE DATA: Provide general corporate information, governance structures and financial statements by interlinking corporate data held by 5 public financial institutions► INTEGRATED DISCLOSURE DATA: Provide information about companies’ sales status and stocks using the FSS’ electronic disclosure system called DART► INTEGRATED DATA ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS: Provide general information, financial statements and statistics about financial institutions by interlinking corporate data held by 4 public financial institutions► INTEGRATED CAPITAL MARKET DATA: Provide data on securities issuance and transaction information by interlinking capital market data held by 3 public financial institutions► INTEGRATED NATIONAL ASSET DATA: Provide data on national assets and customers’ transaction information by interlinking national asset-related data held by 2 public financial institutions. EXPECTATIONThe opening of the public financial database to the general public, scholars and research institutions will boost financial innovation and help private enterprises with start-ups and new job opportunities. It also lays a groundwork for creating new values to the society. It is also expected that the open financial database can provide assistance in the process of financial policymaking through financial big data analysis.FURTHER PLANSApplication for registration for open API (www.data.go.kr) will be open in early Apri
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Mar 31, 2020

Vice Chairman Speaks on Importance of Removing Information Barriers for Policy Cooperation

FSC Vice Chairman Sohn Byungdoo attended the Financial Stability Board’s first plenary meeting this year via a conference call on March 30. During the meeting, the members discussed their policy responses to the COVID-19 outbreak as well as adjustment to the FSB’s work priorities for this year.In order to restore stability in the global financial markets, Vice Chairman Sohn emphasized that international cooperation has now become more important than ever. To that end, the Vice Chairman spoke about the need to remove information barriers that currently exist between the FSB standing committees in order to establish a more effective framework for policy cooperation. Vice Chairman Sohn also underscored the need for international standard setting bodies, such as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, to establish certain guidelines to promote regulatory flexibility.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Mar 31, 2020

FSC Introduces Amendments to Enforcement Decree of Credit Information Act

The government announced on March 30 that the amendments to the three major data privacy laws passed by the National Assembly on January 9 are scheduled to take effect on August 5 this year. As such, the FSC has prepared the amendments to the enforcement decree of the Credit Information Use and Protection Act to be put up for public notice until May 11.KEY AMENDMENTSI. DATA CONVERGENCEData convergence by financial institutions shall be carried out through a designated institution specifically tasked with data convergence by the FSC. Data specializing institutions shall provide pseudonymised or anonymised data to financial institutions.Data specializing institutions shall maintain appropriate human resources and set up a risk management system for secured processing of data convergence by maintaining separate servers for converged data.II. TRANSFER OF PERSONAL DATAPersonal credit data including personal financial transaction information, individual income tax and local tax records, insurance payment records and other financial information that are stored in financial institutions, commercial businesses and public institutions can be transferred to data subjects, financial institutions, personal credit bureaus and MyData businesses upon request from data subjects.III. MYDATA BUSINESS IN FINANCIAL SECTORMyData businesses shall abide by the system and facility requirements to ensure the safety and security of data processing. MyData businesses shall be allowed to operate upon approval and registration electronic financial business, loan brokerage business and financial advising business using robo-advisors.MyData businesses shall be prohibited from collecting personal credit information outside the boundaries of data subjects’ right to information privacy.IV. REGULATIONS ON CREDIT BUREAUSCredit bureaus shall (i) maintain appropriate system and facility requirements to ensure the safety and security of data processing, (ii) maintain an adequate number of data specialis
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Mar 31, 2020

Loan Deferment Guidelines for SMEs and Small Merchants Hit by COVID-19

The FSC and the FSS along with all financial associations and federations adopted the guidelines for the loan extension of principal payments and the deferment of interest payments to be implemented beginning on April 1 for the SMEs and small merchants hit by COVID-19.The guidelines provide the minimum standard with which SMEs and small merchants can apply for financing support. Financial institutions may voluntarily apply more relaxed standards and expand the supporting targets.COMMON GUIDELINES► ELIGIBILITY: SMEs and small merchants directly or indirectly damaged by COVID-19 with no overdues, impaired capital or business closure► ELIGIBLE LOANS: Existing SME loans with maturity date of up to September 30, 2020, including guaranteed loans and foreign currency loans that have been issued prior to March 31, 2020. ► TERMS OF SUPPORT: A minimum of six months of maturity extensions and deferment of interest payments from the date of application regardless of the repayment method► APPLICATION METHOD: Applicants need to visit a branch of currently using financial companies for consulting. Or, depending on the company, non-face-to-face methods such as phone or fax can be possible.► APPLICATION PERIOD: April 1, 2020 ~ September 30, 2020ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES► INSURANCE COMPANIES: If policy loan holders qualify as SMEs or small merchants hit by COVID-19, they are also subject to the deferment of interest payments► SPECIALIZED CREDIT FINANCE BUSINESSES: Credit card loans, credit loans, secured loans, installment financing and leases will be subject to the deferment of interest payments, while credit sales, cash advance and loans, leases or installment financing for automobiles will not be included* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Mar 31, 2020

Special Low-rate Loans to be Introduced for Small Merchants Hit by COVID-19

As a part of the KRW12 trillion financing support package for the small merchants hit by COVID-19, local banks will begin providing super low-rate loans in the amount of KRW3.5 trillion beginning on April 1.► ELIGIBILITY: Small business owners that (i) have high credit records whose annual income is at KRW500 million or less and (ii) satisfy qualifications as small merchants according to relevant laws► TERMS OF SUPPORT: New business loans for up to KRW30 million at a fixed interest rate of 1.5 percent with maturity of maximum one year► APPLICATION METHOD: Applicants need to visit a local bank branch for consulting. KB Kookmin Banks and Shinhan banks offer online or mobile application as well.► APPLICATION PERIOD: April 1, 2020 ~ End of 2020* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Mar 30, 2020

Peer-To-Peer Lending Cap to be Lowered to Provide Investor Safeguards

The FSC and the FSS announced on March 27 their decision to lower the peer-to-peer lending cap through supervisory guidance from the previously set amount of KRW50 million to KRW30 million per year. For real estate investment products, the P2P lending cap will be lowered to KRW10 million from KRW30 million.The decision was made amid growing concerns about damages to investors due to the possibility of an increase in defaults and delinquencies in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.The changes in the lending cap apply to retail investors and take into consideration public comments since the enforcement decree of the Act on Online-linked Financing was announced on January 28.The government plans to gradually adjust the lending cap in the future, while promoting the sound development of the P2P lending industry and investor protection.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Mar 30, 2020

Basel III Credit Risk Framework to be Adopted in Q2 2020

The FSC and the FSS announced the early adoption of the credit risk framework of Basel III beginning in late June this year, more than one year and a half prior to the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s recommendation of adoption by 2022.With the early adoption of Basel III rules, the government expects that the banks with high proportions of business lending will see their BIS capital adequacy ratios increase, thus enabling banks to boost capital reserves to provide more funding to businesses.EARLY ADOPTION OF BASEL IIIBasel III contains measures to lower credit risk weights for SME loans and loss given default (LGD) rates for business loans. The early adoption of the revised credit risk framework will begin gradually with domestic banks and bank holding companies with the calculation of their BIS ratios at the end of June this year.The changes to the calculation of operational risk capital (ORC) will be implemented as scheduled in January 2022.FURTHER PLANSThe government will finish up revising the relevant rules and regulations in April, while providing assistance to financial companies to ensure that their system setup and verification are done smoothly.The government will continue to work on ways to ensure that the government’s prudential regulations on financial institutions are not constraining their ability to respond flexibly in times of crisis.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Mar 27, 2020

Vice Chairman Emphasizes Importance of Effective Implementation of COVID-19 Financial Support

FSC Vice Chairman Sohn Byungdoo held a meeting on March 27 via conference call to examine the implementation of the government’s COVID-19 emergency support package and financial market stabilization measures.The following is a summary of Vice Chairman Sohn’s remarks:► FINANCING SUPPORT: Low-rate loans (1.5%) at local banks as well as maturity extensions on existing loans and deferment of interest payments will be available through all financial institutions beginning on April 1.► ON-SITE COMMUNICATION: Beginning on April 6, the FSC’s emergency financial situation room along with other relevant institutions will operate a regular on-site communication and inspection channel through conference calls or on-site visits in order to help resolve difficulties on the ground.► MARKET STABILIZATION FUNDS: On March 24, the size of the initial capital call has been decided at KRW3 trillion to launch a bond market stabilization fund, which will be expanded up to KRW20 trillion afterwards. The corporate bond purchase will start as early as April 2. A stock market stabilization fund in the amount of KRW760 billion was launched on March 25 by the Korea Exchange, the Korea Financial Investment Association, the Korea Securities Depository and the Korea Securities Finance Corp. In addition, KRW10 trillion more will be made available by the financial institutions in the private sector in the second week of April.► SHORT-TERM MONEY MARKETS: Between March 24 and 26, the Bank of Korea and the Korea Securities Finance Corp. made available approximately KRW3.5 trillion in short-term liquidity to the securities companies. On March 30, the policy banks will begin purchasing commercial paper, electronic short-term bonds and short-term credit bonds. A CP purchasing operation will be undertaken collectively by the Korea Development Bank and the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund.FINANCIAL SUPPORT PROVIDEDBetween February 7 and March 24, a total of KRW13.4 trillion (152,000 individual case
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Mar 27, 2020

KAIST Selected as Digital Finance Education Provider for 4 Years

The Financial Services Commission and the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on March 25 that the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) along with its consortium members have been chosen as the designated digital finance education provider.In the second half of this year, KAIST will begin to offer both degree (2-year) and non-degree (5-month) programs to cultivate more professionals in the area of digital finance, providing courses on big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, etc.For the next four years, KAIST will provide curriculums on digital finance to current financial industry workers, prospective fintech entrepreneurs, fintech professionals and those that are aspiring for financial sector jobs.More specific information about curriculums and admissions will be provided by KAIST College of Business at a later date.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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Mar 26, 2020

Government Expands Young Adult Loan for Rent Payments to Boost Financial Inclusiveness

The FSC announced on March 26 an increase of KRW3 trillion for the young adult loan for rent payments from the previously available amount of KRW1.1 trillion to KRW4.1 trillion.The young adult loan for rent payments was launched on May 27, 2019 through an agreement between the FSC, the Korea Housing Finance Corporation and the Korea Federation of Banks with an initial goal of providing KRW1.1 trillion in loans for young adults. During a 10-month period until March 20 this year, about 25,000 young adults have benefited from low-rate loans for rent payments with the total amount of loans issued standing at KRW1.2 trillion. About 25 percent of the young adults using the loan were found to be students or job seekers without regular incomes. The loan program has had an impact in resolving housing problems of many young adults.With the increased amount of loans available for up to KRW4.1 trillion, about 60,000 more young adults are expected to benefit from the program.The FSC will continue to work for expanding the online application channels in order to improve accessibility for young adults.* Please refer to the attached PDF for details.
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