Online investment-linked finance platforms have expanded credit loans for mid- to low-credit borrowers through linked investments with savings banks and have now laid the groundwork to lend to sole proprietors after further regulatory changes. The measures raise caps on linked investments by financial firms and allow use of a small merchant credit scoring infrastructure. The Financial Services Commission also plans stronger disclosures and external verification to bolster investor protection.

South Korea\'s financial authorities expanded the scope of eased network separation rules for AI use to secondary financial institutions and electronic financial business operators. The number of firms to be selected rises to as many as 15, and eligibility thresholds are lowered. Selected institutions can use external AI and security SaaS after putting alternative controls in place. Industry expectations are mixed, with some firms cautious. Global fintech investment rose to $103.1 billion in the first half, with focus expected to shift to AI and financial infrastructure.