South Korean financial leaders discuss market reforms and regional cooperation

At the Korea Premium Week 2026, global investors emphasized that sustaining South Korea's recent market rally requires structural reforms. Key recommendations include improving corporate governance, increasing shareholder returns, and addressing taxation issues, such as high dividend and inheritance taxes. Frank Carroll of Oaktree Capital advised against abrupt regulatory interventions, such as short-selling bans, advocating instead for policy consistency to maintain foreign investor confidence.

Separately, Shinhan Financial Group highlighted opportunities for Korea-Japan cooperation in climate and digital finance during a conference in Seoul. The discussions, which included representatives from the Asian Development Bank and various financial authorities, focused on transition finance, carbon markets, and digital asset regulation. Shinhan aims to collaborate with Japanese financial institutions to pursue sustainable growth and joint business opportunities in these evolving sectors.