Deposit-token trials are spreading from payment gateways and merchant networks to cross-border payments, shifting the commercialisation race from issuance to where tokens can be used. Payment and settlement at the same time could cut small merchants’ fees and settlement periods. Inclusive finance is expanding by borrower type as banks tailor products and fintechs support fees. Regulators are weighing tighter limits on single-stock leveraged products. Market reforms also tighten scrutiny of duplicate listings and low-PBR firms.

NH Nonghyup Financial Group will promote a “regional close-to-home finance project” as a key task in the second half of the year. It plans to expand investment and lending to region-specific industries and companies and focus group capabilities on easing the financial burden of vulnerable groups and delinquent debtors. The group reviewed second-half plans at a special committee meeting in Seoul and said it supplied a total of 14 trillion won in productive and inclusive finance in the first half.