TAIPEI, Taiwan – Feb. 4, 2021 – LINE Bank announced today that it has been granted an operational license by Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission for launching an internet-only bank. After receiving a banking permit in 2019, LINE Bank has been cooperating with the regulatory authorities on the due diligence process. Going forward, LINE Bank will work with all relevant authorities to ensure the stability and reliable operations of our systems in preparation for the launch of the bank in the first half of 2021. LINE Bank will provide retail banking services including deposit, transfer, debit card and personal loan at the initial stage of business.
"We are happy and appreciative for the FSC’s approval, and will continue to prepare for the service launch,” said Morris Huang, General Manager of LINE Bank Taiwan. “We aim to provide customers with innovative and convenient banking services.”
“Fintech has tremendous promise across the Asia region, attracting massive investment over the past decade, and is expected to continue growing through 2030,” said In-Joon Hwang, Chairman of LINE Bank Taiwan and Chief Financial Officer of LINE Corporation. “The successful launch of LINE BK last year, LINE Thailand's banking service operated by K LINE, saw our service quickly grow and acquire a great many customers, and we are confident that LINE Bank will also be a big success in Taiwan. In 2021, LINE also has plans to expand banking services into other countries, including Japan and Indonesia.”
Building on the foundation of LINE’s 21 million MAU in Taiwan, LINE Bank will integrate with LINE’s and shareholders’ diverse ecosystems to realize our mission of “Banking in Your Hand”. LINE Bank is committed to listening to the voice of our customer and becoming an inclusive and trusted bank for all the people in Taiwan.
■ About LINE Corporation
Based in Japan, LINE Corporation is dedicated to the mission of “Closing the Distance,” bringing together information, services and people. The LINE messaging app launched in June 2011 and since then has grown into a diverse, global ecosystem that includes AI technology, fintech and more. In Thailand, LINE introduced its messenger service in 2012, and quickly grew into the country’s leading social media platform.
■ About LINE Bank
LINE Bank, the LINE affiliate focused on the development of internet-only banking services in Taiwan, is committed to leveraging its innovative DNA to realize the vision of Banking In Your Hand and to provide a convenient, safe, delightful user experience. The shareholders of LINE Bank are comprised of leading players from internet messaging, banking and telecommunications industries including Taipei Fubon Bank, CTBC Bank, FarEasTone, Standard Chartered Bank, Taiwan Mobile, and Union Bank of Taiwan.
LINE Bank plans to launch its service in Taiwan in the first half of 2021, providing retail banking services including deposit, transfer, debit card and personal loan. For more information please visit: www.linebank.com.tw.