2 trillion won '2026 New Start Special Loan' to support small and medium-sized enterprises

'Inclusive Finance Complex Support Center' to offer one-stop employment and welfare services

CEO Kim Sung-joo pledges to be 'a reliable financial partner that grows with the region'

BNK Financial Group headquarters [BNK]
BNK Financial Group headquarters [BNK]

Busan Bank has been named the top regional bank in the 2026 Korea Service Quality Index (KS-SQI), administered by the Korean Standards Association, for the fifth consecutive year, the bank announced Friday.

The KS-SQI is a leading domestic certification index that comprehensively evaluates service quality as experienced by customers, incorporating factors such as accuracy and expertise, ease of use, and orientation toward social value.

The recognition reflects the bank's sustained efforts to drive financial service innovation and community co-prosperity based on customer-centered management. Its commitment to placing customer trust as a top priority and practicing finance that grows alongside the local community drew particular praise.

Busan Bank is also stepping up financial support to invigorate the regional economy. This year, the bank is supplying 2 trillion won ($1.29 billion) through its "2026 New Start Special Loan" program to help local small and medium-sized enterprises stabilize operations and ease funding difficulties.

To foster the local startup ecosystem, the bank is also supporting the growth of regional innovators through a startup incubation program, dedicated startup support spaces, and investment-linked assistance.

Busan Bank is also channeling efforts into inclusive finance. This year, it plans to establish the "Inclusive Finance Complex Support Center" — the first public-private partnership model of its kind in the financial sector — to build a one-stop support system linking policy finance, financial education, and employment and welfare services.

Alongside this, the bank operates financial products to help young people settle in the region and runs rapid financial assistance programs to aid swift recovery during crises such as natural disasters and economic downturns, continuously expanding its role as the region's representative financial institution.

"The fifth consecutive top ranking in the Korea Service Quality Index is thanks to the customers who have trusted and chosen Busan Bank," said Kim Sung-joo, president of Busan Bank. "We will listen most closely to the voices of our customers and become a reliable financial partner that grows together with the region."


kaf2002@heraldcorp.com