South Korea\'s National Participation Growth Fund effectively sold out on its first day of sales, with more than 87 percent of supply taken up and some online allotments closing in 10 minutes. Financial authorities are reviewing options to bring forward next year\'s supply or add more, with additional sales in the second half also discussed. Markets also saw spillover effects, while financial institutions and fintech firms moved to expand payment ecosystems and data-driven services.

South Korea’s bank soundness rules are needed for financial stability, but speakers at a Korea Institute of Finance seminar warned Basel 3’s risk-weighted framework could strengthen banks’ preference for low-risk assets and curb productive finance such as corporate lending. They called for a more refined capital regulation system that keeps global consistency while addressing weak points in the final Basel 3 package. Discussions also flagged the growing impact of the output floor and potential double regulation within financial holding groups.