Korea

Korean regional banks look to SEA for growth

Korean regional banks look to SEA for growth

DGB Financial Group is aiming to open a bank branch in Vietnam. Regional lenders in Korea are betting on Southeast Asia for expansion amidst a saturated domestic market, reports The Korea Times. Daegu-headquartered DGB Financial Group revealed plans to open a bank branch in Vietnam after applying for license. A spokesman from the bank noted that DGB Daegu Bank acquired Cambodia's Cam Capital Specialised Bank in 2018 whilst DGB Capital launched DGB Laos Leasing Company in 2016. "We are looking for opportunities in Vietnam as Shinhan Bank did there. There are a lot of cultural similarities between Korea and Vietnam. This is one of the reasons we are seeking to launch services there," a DGB spokesman said. Also read: Foreign banks flock to Vietnam

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The scheme is an attempt to help stabilise home prices. Korean second-tier banks will be subject to more stringent mortgage rules called Debt Service Ratio (DSR) by June, reports Yonhap. The move is an attempt from authorities to dent the growth of household debt and stabilise home prices.

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Non-interest related earnings made up 12% of 2018 profits.

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