Strengthening the Role of a Financial Safety Net for SMEs
Even amid persistent economic pressures—including rising interest rates and weakened capital investment—IBK supports the stable operations of SMEs through continued financial support, fulfilling its role as a financial safety net. As a policy financial institution, IBK continues to provide stable funding for SMEs, compensating for the reduced lending capacity of private financial institutions during periods of economic stress.
SME loan supply in 2025 totaled KRW 69 trillion, surpassing the supply target of KRW 64 trillion and ensuring uninterrupted financial support for SMEs even as economic uncertainty intensified.
Going forward, IBK plans to support the stable growth of SMEs through tailored financial support, expanded policy finance, and strengthened industry-specific financial solutions—steadily enhancing its capacity to respond to economic crises.
Supporting SMEs Through State Funds and Budget Programs
As a policy financial institution, IBK supports SME growth and industrial competitiveness through financial assistance utilizing state funds and budget programs.
As of the end of 2025, the outstanding loan balance of loans funded through state funds and budget programs stood at KRW 20.48 trillion, up KRW 0.37 trillion from the end of the previous year. By loan type, on-lending funds accounted for the largest share at KRW 6.21 trillion (30.34%), followed by the SME establishment and promotion fund at KRW 4.66 trillion (22.73%), overseas on-lending funds at KRW 3.71 trillion (18.11%), regional restructuring funds at KRW 1.45 trillion (7.08%), industrial accident prevention facility funds at KRW 1.03 trillion (5.04%), and energy efficiency funds at KRW 1.02 trillion (4.99%).
Supporting Through On-Lending Funds
On-lending funds totaling KRW 2.57 trillion were supplied during the year to SMEs and mid-sized companies with growth potential, supporting job creation, export expansion, regional enterprise development, startup and venture company assistance, and carbon neutrality initiatives. As of the end of 2025, the outstanding balance stood at KRW 6.21 trillion.
Overseas on-lending funds totaling KRW 2.60 trillion were supplied during the year to companies with overseas project contracts and export-import track records. As of the end of 2025, the outstanding balance stood at KRW 3.71 trillion.
Supporting Through the SME Establishment and Promotion Fund
The SME Establishment and Promotion Fund supplied KRW 763 billion during the year to companies recommended by the Korea SME and Startups Agency, supporting startup assistance, business recovery, and new growth foundation initiatives.
