South Korean brokerages posted more than 5 trillion won in net profit in the second quarter, helped by a strong stock market and higher trading value. Net profit at 61 brokerages rose 20.0 percent from the previous quarter to 5.19 trillion won, up 82.1 percent from a year earlier. Commission income increased 32.5 percent, led by brokerage fees. Wealth management, investment banking and proprietary trading earnings also improved.

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.