179) (Support with Minor Modifications)  10  BIS Review 14/2006  The amendment would allow a limited-purpose credit card bank--without losing its exemption under the BHC Act--to make and purchase loans that help meet the credit needs of low- and moderate-income persons and neighborhoods or promote economic development by financing small businesses or farms.
The Korean financial and foreign exchange markets have recently been showing a pattern of improved movements helped by these actions. Long- and short-term market interest rates are maintaining downward stability while stock prices and the exchange value of the Korean won have rebounded substantially. In addition, the issuance of corporate bonds is proceeding seamlessly and bank lending to households and SMEs is steadily increasing.