Korea\'s online investment-linked finance industry is accelerating mid-rate lending to mid-to-low credit borrowers and sole proprietors after regulatory improvements. The Financial Services Commission plans to raise self-funding investment limits and financial-company linked investment caps, and expand limits for general investors. Major financial institutions are also stepping up CEO selection processes, while regulators tighten oversight of bank asset quality, governance and internal controls. Payment and digital-asset businesses widen partnerships and services.

Korea Investment Securities will expand benefits for new customers using its non-face-to-face account opening service BanKIS, including an investment credit. From August, first-time BanKIS account openers will receive 20,000 won that can be used to buy domestic shares, in addition to the existing offer of two shares randomly selected from KOSPI200 constituents. The benefit also applies to accounts opened through partner platforms.