South Korea\'s financial sector has entered the first-quarter earnings season, with non-interest income and non-bank units driving diverging results among major financial holding companies. KB Financial Group, Shinhan Financial Group and Hana Financial Group posted record results, while Woori Financial Group recorded a decline. Strong stock markets lifted securities firms\' earnings, and new savings and investment products were launched. The industry is also accelerating a shift toward AI and digital finance, alongside calls for stronger controls and risk management.

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission is moving to revamp rules to expand lending to mid-credit borrowers as the economic slowdown increases pressure on vulnerable borrowers. It plans to adjust supply criteria for the policy-backed Saitdol loan, cut insurance rates and expand supply. Support for low-credit borrowers will be strengthened separately through policy microfinance, including a rate cut for Haetsal loans. The FSC also plans to lower rate benchmarks for private mid-interest loans by up to 1.25 percentage points.