South Korea

FSC Chairman Meets AMCHAM Korea Chairman to Discuss Financial Hub Competitiveness

FSC Chairman Lee Eog-weon met with AMCHAM Korea Chairman James Kim on April 10, 2026 to discuss ways to strengthen Korea's financial hub status and attract foreign investments. The meeting addressed AMCHAM Korea's 'Korea's Financial Hub Agenda' report and follow-up measures for MSCI developed markets index inclusion. Seoul ranked 8th and Busan 23rd in GFCI 39.

Monetary Stabilization Bond Competitive Bidding Notice

The Bank of Korea issued a competitive bidding notice for Monetary Stabilization Bonds (MSB) on April 10, 2026. The notice, reference DC026-0714-0910, was issued by the Market Operations Team and includes attachments in HWP and PDF formats. This is a routine open market operations announcement for government bond dealers and financial institutions participating in MSB auctions.

AI-Based Small Business Credit Rating Framework Launches H2 2026

The Financial Services Commission of Korea announced plans to introduce the Small Business & Self-Ownership Credit Bureau (SCB), an AI-driven credit rating framework for small businesses and self-employed owners. The SCB will combine current credit bureau ratings with AI-generated future scale-up ratings using nonfinancial data such as sales performance, business category, and location. Financial companies will be required to adopt the new rating system, with pilot operations beginning August 2026.

Korean Household Loans Rose KRW 3.5T in March 2026

The Financial Services Commission of Korea released March 2026 household loan statistics showing outstanding balances increased KRW 3.5 trillion (preliminary), accelerating from a KRW 2.9 trillion rise the prior month. Home-backed mortgage loans rose KRW 3.0 trillion while nonbanking sector lending accounted for KRW 3.0 trillion of the total increase. The FSC urged financial companies to prepare for upcoming household debt management measures effective April 17.

Revised Enforcement Decree of Microfinance Support Act

The Financial Services Commission of Korea approved revisions to the Enforcement Decree of the Microfinance Support Act on April 6, 2026. The revision raises the common microfinance contribution rate for banks from 0.06% to 0.10% and for nonbanks from 0.03% to 0.045% of household loan sizes, generating an additional KRW 197.3 billion annually (KRW 134.5 billion from banks, KRW 62.8 billion from nonbanks). The Korea Inclusive Finance Agency will also be authorized to provide credit guarantees for microloans under the Credit Counseling and Recovery Service program.

Monetary Stabilization Bond Issuance Competitive Bidding Notice

The Bank of Korea announced a competitive bidding auction for Monetary Stabilization Bonds (MSB) scheduled for April 7, 2026. The notice provides details for electronic bidding participation in open market operations. Financial institutions and investors may participate in the auction through the specified competitive bidding process.

Monetary Stabilization Bond Issuance Competitive Bidding Notice

The Bank of Korea published a Monetary Stabilization Bond (MSB) issuance notice (DC026-0707-0910) for competitive bidding scheduled on April 3, 2026. The notice, referencing document number 471, pertains to open market operations conducted by the Bank's Market Operations Team. Bidders are directed to the attached files in HWP and PDF formats for complete auction terms and conditions.

Official Foreign Reserves - March 2026

The Bank of Korea published official foreign reserves data for March 2026, reporting total international reserves of 848 billion USD. This is a routine monthly statistical release providing updated reserve figures to the public and market participants. The release includes attached files with detailed reserve composition data.

MSB Buyback Auction Notice - Competitive Bidding

The Bank of Korea announced a competitive bidding auction for buybacks of Monetary Stabilization Bonds (MSBs) scheduled for April 2, 2026. This open market operation allows the central bank to manage domestic liquidity through bond repurchase activities. Financial institutions may participate in the electronic bidding process.

Bank of Korea Finalizes Benchmark Rate Reform Plan

On March 30, 2026, the Bank of Korea and the Financial Services Commission held the 6th Benchmark Rate and Short-Term Financial Market Consultation to finalize the benchmark rate reform plan. The reform shifts from CD-based rates to KOFR as the primary overnight risk-free benchmark rate. The plan establishes new methodology, governance, and publication standards for the reference rate with full implementation targeted for 2027.