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RegulationsFebruary 5

South Korea’s banking liberalisation push shows limited success

The government is pushing to boost competitiveness, but months later, progress remains limited
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South Korea’s banking liberalisation push shows limited successHighways and commercial buildings illuminated in the Yeouido financial district in Seoul, South Korea. Image: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg

South Korea’s banking sector has long been dominated by a handful of big financial companies. According to a report by S&P Global, the country’s top five banks held 74.6 per cent of total assets as of March 2023.

Last year, the government opened the industry to new players by introducing a set of measures aimed at liberalising the banking sector, which came into full force immediately after the announcement. Is the new system bringing results?

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