Cooperation between traditional financial firms and crypto-asset operators is expanding, with moves by Kakao Group, brokerages and exchanges. In the United States, the OCC gave preliminary approval to two digital banks pursuing crypto custody and stablecoin business. In South Korea, the Democratic Party plans to draw up a Digital Asset Basic Act this year. Competition is also shifting across platform finance, raising questions about entry rules, conflicts of interest, consumer choice and security.

Major fintech firms posted strong first-half results as growth in payments and financial services lifted revenue and profit, with overseas payments and new businesses also expanding. Payment companies are widening links into daily life through merchants, local currencies and transport, while firms bundle payments with other services. As businesses grow, demands for soundness management rise. Separately, there are signs of partial adjustments to loan regulations, while bank lending volume controls continue.