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On March 15, 2026, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) announced the opening of the first quarter 2026 regular application period for innovative financial services designation under South Korea's financial regulatory sandbox programme. The application period runs from March 16, 2026 at 09:00 to March 31, 2026 at 18:00. Companies seeking innovative financial services designation must submit their applications through the Financial Regulatory Sandbox website (sandbox.fintech.or.kr) during this window. Applicants are required to review the application procedures outlined in Financial Services Commission Notice No. 2026-178 (First 2026 Innovative Financial Services Designation Application Notice) and prepare all necessary supporting documentation before submission. The innovative financial services designation programme allows fintech and financial technology companies to test new financial products and services within a controlled regulatory environment, providing relief from certain regulatory requirements during the testing period. This regular application cycle enables companies to seek formal designation status for their proposed innovative services. Interested companies should access the sandbox website, navigate to the application section under "Innovative Financial Services," and complete the designation application form with all required documentation. The FSS's Digital Finance and Supervision Division manages the programme, with enquiries directed to the Supervisory Data Team at 3145-7545. REFERENCES: Financial Supervisory Service Press Release, March 15, 2026