Bank of Korea reports total economy net lending increased in Q3 2025
The Bank of Korea (BOK) announced that the total economy's net lending increased to 46.3 trillion won in the third quarter of 2025. This represents a rise from 41.5 trillion won in the previous quarter.
Total Economy's Net Lending Expands
During the third quarter of 2025, the total economy's net lending, which combines all domestic sectors, reached 46.3 trillion won.
This marks an increase when compared to 41.5 trillion won recorded in the second quarter.
Households and non-profit institutions serving households (NPISHs) significantly contributed to this trend, with their net lending rising to 58.0 trillion won from 51.3 trillion won.
Conversely, non-financial corporations saw their net borrowing increase substantially, moving from -3.5 trillion won to -19.5 trillion won.
The general government sector shifted from net borrowing to net lending, recording 5.9 trillion won after a -2.7 trillion won deficit in the previous quarter.
Assets Outpace Liabilities Growth
By the end of Q3 2025, the domestic non-financial sector's total financial assets amounted to 13,434.3 trillion won, increasing by 505.6 trillion won.
Financial liabilities, excluding equity and foreign direct investment, grew by 113.0 trillion won to 8,065.0 trillion won.
This resulted in an improved financial assets-to-liabilities ratio of 1.67, up from 1.63. For households and non-profit institutions serving households (NPISHs), this ratio also increased to 2.47. The Bank of Korea emphasizes that an increase in liabilities should not inherently be viewed negatively, as it can reflect economic growth or investment.
A comprehensive assessment must consider financial assets and debt servicing capacity.