Korean media: Upbit's partner bank K Bank sees record high default rate on cryptocurrency account credit loans

ChainCatcher news reports that the delinquency rate for credit loans on cryptocurrency accounts at K Bank, a South Korean bank, has reached an all-time high. K Bank is the affiliated bank for the Korean won accounts of Upbit, the leading cryptocurrency exchange in South Korea, which accounts for over 70% of the country's cryptocurrency trading volume.

After two consecutive failed listings, K Bank is preparing for an IPO next year. It has been pointed out that its over-reliance on Upbit and poor stability indicators may become obstacles to its listing.

Data submitted today by the office of Kim Jae-seop, a member of the National Assembly's Political Committee and a member of the People Power Party, to the Financial Supervisory Service shows that as of the third quarter of this year, the delinquency rate for personal credit loans utilizing cryptocurrency-related accounts at K Bank is 1.28%, with a delinquent balance of 47.4 billion won. Since the bank launched cryptocurrency-linked accounts in June 2020, both the delinquency rate and delinquent balance have continuously reached new highs.

It is reported that K Bank will restart its listing process next month. The effectiveness of the preliminary review for listing obtained in August this year will remain valid until February next year, leading the industry to believe that K Bank may attempt to list again before then. Some analysts believe that the recent activity in the cryptocurrency market is beneficial for K Bank, as it can generate additional income by managing the assets of investors deposited on Upbit.