Apple and other big tech companies such as Google and Meta are increasingly likely to pay an annual flat levy under a new European Union funding plan. The European Commission is discussing revisions to the Corporate Resource (CORE) scheme, which imposes an annual fixed charge on companies above a certain size operating in the EU. The EU is also considering raising the threshold to ease pressure on mid-sized European firms while increasing payments by the largest companies. Details are not final.

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission said its preliminary licensing process for a fractional-investment over-the-counter exchange was conducted fairly, while acknowledging the frustration felt by Lucentblock after failing to win approval. During a parliamentary audit, lawmaker Min Byung-deok questioned whether sandbox firms’ results are properly recognised in institutionalisation. The FSC noted the relevant law allows, but does not require, a review panel to be consulted when a firm seeks formal authorisation.