South Korea is facing compounded pressure from higher oil prices, a weaker won and rising inflation, with the won-dollar rate nearing 1,540 and oil product prices up about 10 percent from a year earlier. The central bank is expected to hold rates this month, but prolonged price and currency pressures could raise the possibility of a second-half hike. Authorities have tightened household debt controls and pushed market reforms, while the Financial Supervisory Service has urged stronger IT internal controls at internet banks.

Banksalad said on Tuesday its 2025 revenue rose 77 percent from a year earlier to 26 billion won, while operating costs increased 14 percent to 33.6 billion won. Excluding non-cash items, operating costs were 27.9 billion won and adjusted EBITDA was minus 1.9 billion won, an improvement of 74 percent. Net loss excluding one-off accounting factors was about 600 million won, down 89 percent.