Seoul, South Korea – The Financial Services Commission (FSC) has announced that the revised Enforcement Decree of the Capital Markets and Financial Investment Services Act will come into effect on December 12th. This amendment significantly expands the scope of trust services in South Korea, most notably by legalizing insurance trust.

Insurance Trust: A New Frontier for Financial Services

Until now, South Korea has had limited regulations governing the use of trusts for insurance payouts. However, the new regulations allow for insurance beneficiaries to designate a trustee to manage the insurance proceeds, especially for large death benefits exceeding 30 million won. This is particularly beneficial for minors or individuals with disabilities who may need assistance in managing their finances.

To qualify for an insurance trust, the policyholder, the insured, and the trustor must be the same person. Additionally, the insurance must be a general death benefit policy, excluding cases of accidental or disease-related deaths.

Financial Institutions Gear Up for Competition

With the legalization of insurance trust, financial institutions are poised to launch new products and services. Banks and life insurance companies are particularly eager to tap into this growing market.

Banks that already offer specialized trust products have been preparing for the implementation of the new regulations. For example, Hana Bank has stated that it is ready to offer trust contracts as soon as the new rules take effect. Shinhan, Woori, and KB Kookmin Bank are also preparing to launch their own insurance trust products.

Life insurance companies, which have extensive experience in managing long-term assets, are expected to be particularly competitive in this space. They have the advantage of being able to track insurance claim payments in real-time, allowing for more flexible and customized trust solutions.

Intense Competition Expected

As financial institutions vie for a larger share of the insurance trust market, competition is expected to intensify, particularly in terms of fees. One life insurance company executive noted, "While we can't make direct comparisons until the products are launched, we anticipate fierce competition among providers, likely centered around fees."

Benefits for Consumers

The legalization of insurance trust offers several benefits to consumers, including:

Enhanced financial security: Provides a structured way to manage large insurance payouts, especially for beneficiaries who may lack financial experience.
Flexible wealth management: Allows for more customized wealth management solutions based on individual needs and circumstances.
Professional asset management: Leverages the expertise of financial institutions to grow and protect assets over time.
Looking Ahead

The legalization of insurance trust represents a significant milestone in the South Korean financial services industry. By providing individuals with more options for managing their wealth, the new regulations are expected to stimulate innovation and drive growth in the trust market.