Banksalad said users of its AI-based interest rate cut request service have more than doubled since the service launched in March. It said the number of customers using the service in July was up more than 125 percent from March. Banksalad also cited a case in which a customer reduced annual interest by 9.3 million won through an interest rate cut. The company said refinancing users also increased in July.

Major financial holding companies are accelerating governance changes ahead of March annual shareholder meetings after regulators urged reforms such as special resolutions for chair reappointments, stronger outside director independence and expertise, and a single three-year term. A key proposal would shift CEO appointments to shareholder votes and tighten requirements for third terms. Internal control issues at brokerages also re-emerged amid allegations of capital markets law violations and stock manipulation. Fintech platforms are expanding automated loan-rate cut request services.