South Korea\'s financial authorities raised their target for household loan growth this year and NH Nonghyup Bank resumed variable-rate mortgage lending, drawing attention to whether mortgage hurdles will fall across the sector. COFIX rose for a fourth month, increasing borrowers\' interest burdens. Financial support for mid-to-low credit borrowers and small businesses is spreading, while the government and regulators advance plans tied to regional finance hubs and debate over a won stablecoin shifts toward payment, distribution and custody infrastructure.

Shinhan Bank has launched a loan product offering up to 100 million won for preferred merchants on the co-prosperity delivery app Ddaenggyeoyo. Eligible businesses must designate settlement and card payment accounts with Shinhan Bank, set at least one major delivery platform settlement account to the bank, post average monthly sales of at least 10 million won over the past six months and have operated for at least six months. Loans run for 1 to 3 years with installment principal repayment and can use auto repayment services.