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SEOUL — South Korea’s "Win-Win Payment System" (Sang-saeng) is set to leap forward as a cornerstone of corporate financial infrastructure, with annual transaction volumes expected to surpass 200 trillion KRW (approx. $150 billion) this year. Marking its 10th anniversary since inception, the system is evolving from a simple payment tool into a comprehensive "Win-Win Finance Platform."
According to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and financial industry sources on March 19, 2026, the system recorded 189.1 trillion KRW in transactions last year. With a cumulative payout of 1,377 trillion KRW, experts predict the 200 trillion KRW mark is well within reach for 2026.
Breaking Barriers with 'Easy-Sync' The catalyst for this growth is the newly launched "Next-Generation One-Stop Win-Win Payment System," dubbed Easy-Sync. Previously, buyers and suppliers were restricted by the requirement to hold accounts at the same financial institution—a major hurdle for second and third-tier subcontractors. The upgraded system removes this barrier, allowing seamless transactions across different banks and streamlining administrative burdens through a unified platform.
KB Securities Leads Financial Expansion In a landmark move, KB Securities became the first brokerage firm to join the network, breaking the traditional bank-centered monopoly. By partnering with Doosan and the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute, KB Securities aims to broaden the scope of financial support within the supply chain.
A Shield for SMEs The Win-Win Payment System allows subcontractors to receive payments based on the high credit rating of the primary buyer (large conglomerates). This enables SMEs to secure liquidity at lower interest rates and ensures stable payment schedules, which is vital during periods of high inflation and currency volatility.
The Korean government continues to incentivize participation through:
Reductions in corporate and income taxes.
Preferential treatment in public procurement and win-win growth evaluations.
Lower technology guarantee fees and expanded limits on policy funds.
"In a challenging global environment, the Win-Win Payment System is a core initiative for building a shared growth ecosystem," said Lee Byung-kwon, the 2nd Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups. "We will provide active support to ensure more institutions and enterprises can participate."
As the system penetrates deeper into the multi-tiered supply chain, it is expected to function as a vital safety net, ensuring that financial stability trickles down to the smallest players in the economy.
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