South Korean Securities Firms' CP and Commercial Paper Issuance Surges 170% Year-over-Year to 723.8 Trillion Won

According to Yonhapnews, South Korean securities firms' combined issuance of commercial paper (CP) and ultra-short-term commercial paper (전단채) reached 723.8 trillion won through August 4, 2026, representing a 170.4% increase from 267.7 trillion won in the same period last year.

Ultra-short-term securities, typically maturing within five days, accounted for the majority of the surge, climbing 172.6% from 244.6 trillion won to 666.8 trillion won. Peak issuance occurred in May at 165.5 trillion won and June at 158.9 trillion won, declining 66% to 54.5 trillion won in July as market activity moderated. Rising margin trading demand and increased exchange settlement margins drove securities firms' short-term funding needs.