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.

Hana Bank has launched the Hana Real Estate Value-Up Platform to support the use and development of commercial and ageing properties. The bank said on Sept. 3 it is starting full operations of the platform, which diagnoses real estate assets and connects customers with specialist firms by field to provide tailored solutions. Hana Bank signed a strategic partnership agreement with five real estate-related specialist companies on Sept. 2 at its Euljiro headquarters in Seoul.