[New Year's Address] Credit Finance Association Chairman Jang Wankyu: "Support for Credit Card Companies' Korean Won Stablecoin Payment and Settlement Business"

New Year's Address for the Year of Byeongo, 2026

Jang Wankyu, Chairman of the Credit Finance Association, announced that next year the association will support credit card companies in their business related to Korean won stablecoin payment and settlement.

Jang Wankyu, Chairman of the Credit Finance Association. Credit Finance Association

On the 31st, in his New Year's address, Chairman Jang stated, "As the introduction of the Korean won stablecoin becomes more tangible, we will support credit card companies in participating by utilizing their globally proven payment and settlement infrastructure," adding, "We will help ensure that stablecoins can be used safely and conveniently in the payment and settlement market."

He began by mentioning that the journal Kyosu Shinmun selected 'Byeondongbulgeo', meaning 'the world never stops and constantly changes', as this year's four-character idiom. He encouraged the industry to participate in the government's drive for a productive financial transformation and to awaken innovative DNA such as stablecoins.

Chairman Jang said, "We will closely cooperate with financial authorities to identify new business opportunities that meet the era of financial innovation and digital transformation and to strengthen corporate competitiveness. We will support credit card companies' Korean won stablecoin business, as well as innovative financial services for leasing and installment finance companies, and assist in their entry into new businesses."

He added, "We will also work to create a management environment where new technology finance companies can focus on supplying venture capital."

He mentioned that the association will lay the foundation for revitalizing the core business of credit finance companies in line with the government's policy of productive financial transformation. In response to the trend of diversified payment and settlement methods, the association plans to expand the scope of card payments to include peer-to-peer secondhand transactions. It will also work to improve rental handling regulations for leasing and installment finance companies in a way that broadens consumer choice.

The association will support new technology finance companies in participating in the National Growth Fund and investing in innovative companies through various means, such as establishing special purpose companies for investment.

He also emphasized that soundness management will not be neglected.

Chairman Jang stated, "We will strive to expand the handling of policy financial products and to activate mid-interest rate loans, and will ensure that the management of risks related to real estate project financing and household debt is handled rationally for a soft landing, while maintaining the basic strength of the industry."

He added, "We will ensure that the responsibility structure contributes to strengthening internal controls and preventing financial accidents at credit finance companies, and will work to establish it stably."