BNK Financial Group\'s first-half net profit attributable to controlling shareholders fell 13.5 percent from a year earlier to 411.8 billion won, it said on July 28, citing base effects from last year\'s real estate fund disposal gains and one-off losses this year. Second-quarter net profit slipped 5.2 percent from the previous quarter to 200.4 billion won. Asset quality indicators improved, while the group maintained its common equity tier 1 ratio within its management target range.

South Korea\'s Financial Services Commission has designated seven securities firms as its sixth group of SME-focused financial investment companies to support funding for small and venture firms. The designation runs from July 10, 2026 to July 9, 2029. The FSC said it screened firms more strictly, focusing on capabilities and effects, and noted that designated firms have provided 17.9 trillion won in support over about 10 years.