Toss gets preliminary approval for internet-only bank
A woman uses the Toss mobile financial services app in this file photo. / Courtesy of Viva RepublicaBy Park Jae-hyukThe Toss Bank consortium led by the mobile money transfer app operator Viva Republica received a preliminary approval for a license to operate the nation's third internet-only bank, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) said Monday.According to the financial regulator, the new digital bank is expected to make its debut in July 2021, as it needs about a year and a half to prepare for the business.Viva Republica was rejected during a previous round of bidding in May, due to its poor financial stability.As the fintech firm attracted KEB Hana Bank, Standard Chartered Bank Korea, the Korea Federation of SMEs and other affluent institutional investors in its second attempt, the FSC decided to grant preliminary approval to the consortium in the latest bid.“The consortium's largest shareholder has a strong determination to contribute to financial innovation and its business plan is well-prepared in terms of innovativeness, inclusiveness and stability,” said Yoon C
Dec 16, 2019By Park Jae-hyuk