“Korean economic growth to slow next year ... monetary policy a key factor”

[Financial News] “The Korean economy posted solid growth this year, but growth is expected to slow somewhat in 2027.”
Park Jong-hoon, SC First Bank’s chief economist, made the remarks while presenting his outlook for the Korean and global economies at the Treasury Leadership Forum 2026, held on the 10th at The Grand Lotte Seoul in Jung District, Seoul.
Park forecast that “with demand related to artificial intelligence (AI) supporting growth and upward pressure on core inflation persisting, the direction of monetary policy will be an important factor for the economy next year.”
The forum was organized to discuss corporate treasury management strategies amid changes in the global financial environment, under the theme “The Blueprint for Tomorrow.” Experts from SC Group and SC First Bank shared insights on economic outlooks, the global payments market, digital assets, trade finance, securities services and other trends.
A recommendation was also made at the forum that local conditions be considered comprehensively to ensure the smooth adoption of digital payments. Naveen Mallela, global head of payments at SC Group, said, “Digital payments are rapidly developing as a new means of increasing speed and efficiency in companies’ cross-border transactions.”
Mallela added, “For companies to adopt them in their actual business operations, they need to consider not only technology but also country-specific regulations, internal controls and integration with existing treasury management systems.” He emphasized, “Domestic companies, too, need to proactively assess how they can make use of these developments and what preparations are needed in response to global changes.”
Kevin Chang, SC Group’s head of trade finance for Hong Kong, Greater China and North Asia, and Group Head of Trade Digital Assets, explained the importance of corporate resilience and the strategic role of treasury management in responding to changes in global supply chains. He also discussed the impact digital assets could have on trade transactions and cross-border financial flows.
Yang Jeong-won, head of SC First Bank’s Transaction Banking Group and an executive vice president, said, “We will continue to draw on SC Group’s global network and expertise to help domestic companies and financial institutions respond proactively to market changes and identify new growth opportunities.”
[email protected] Seo Ji-yoon Reporter