Jong-Goo YI - Kim & Chang

Bio

Dr. Jong-Goo Yi is a senior foreign attorney who practices primarily in the finance and corporate areas at Kim & Chang. He is currently managing Kim & Chang’s Hong Kong office. Dr. Yi has extensive experience in regulatory compliance, financial regulations, FinTech, blockchain and digital assets, banking and capital markets and mergers and acquisitions.

Before joining Kim & Chang, Dr. Yi served as a Commissioner in Korea’s Financial Services Commission (“FSC”) for three years (2008-2011) and was in charge of international affairs, among other responsibilities. He acted as Korea’s representative at the Steering Committee of the Financial Stability Board, an international organization created pursuant to the mandate of G20 Leaders to coordinate global financial regulatory reform efforts after the global financial crisis.

Prior to joining the FSC, Dr. Yi practiced law at major global law firms, including Sullivan & Cromwell and Shearman & Sterling in New York.

Since he joined Kim & Chang, Dr. Yi has been actively involved in regulatory compliance issues faced by global companies (both financial and non-financial) operating in Korea.

Dr. Yi is currently serving as a member of the Financial Regulatory Reform Committee of the FSC, which is an advisory committee to the FSC Chairman regarding the financial regulatory reform agenda, and as an advisor to the Bank of Korea relating to financial innovation, including Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). He is also a member of the Mayoral Committee for Establishing the Digital Asset Exchange in Busan City and served as the Chairman of the Self-Regulatory Committee of the Korea Blockchain Association, an industry association for blockchain technology and virtual asset service providers. Moreover, he served as a Vice Chairman of the Banking, Finance and Securities Committee of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association and a member of the Council on Financial Development under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. In addition, he served as a director for both public and private companies in Korea.

Dr. Yi was also active in academia. He served as an editor of the bi-monthly journal of Business, Finance and Law (“BFL”) published by the Center for Financial Law at Seoul National University. He is now an adjunct professor at Ewha Womans University’s College of Business Administration, and was an adjunct professor at the Graduate Schools of International Studies of both Korea University and Yonsei University. He has written many articles on economics, finance, legal and regulatory issues, including articles published in the Journal of Law, Economics and Organization, the BFL and the Commercial Law Review, and has given a number of speeches and lectures on financial issues.

Dr. Yi received his B.A. in economics from Seoul National University (1981), a J.D. from Stanford Law School (1990) and a Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University (1991).

View All

Profile

Experience

Kim & Chang (2011-Present)

Commissioner, Financial Services Commission (2008-2011)

Senior Foreign Legal Consultant, Shin & Kim (1996-2008)

Attorney, Shearman & Sterling, New York (1992-1996)

Attorney, Sullivan & Cromwell, New York (1991-1992)

Activities:

Advisor, Bank of Korea (2023.3.-Present)

Adjunct Professor, Ewha School of Business, Ewha Womans University (2023.3.-Present)

Member, Mayoral Committee for Establishing the Digital Asset Exchange in Busan City (2022.12.-Present)

Member, Financial Regulatory Reform Committee, Financial Services Commission (2022.7.-Present)

Chairman, Self-Regulatory Committee, Korea Blockchain Association (2019.9.-2022.7.)

Outside Director, Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, MetLife Insurance Co. of Korea, Ltd. (2019-Present)

Asia Pacific Regional Forum Liaison Officer, Banking Committee, International Bar Association (2016-2018)

Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the Audit Committee, and Non-Standing Director, Incheon International Airport Corporation (2013-2016.1.)

Member, Korea-US Business Council (2011-Present)

Outside Director and Chairman, Risk Management Committee of the Board of Directors, IBK (Industrial Bank of Korea) (2011-2017.5.)

Member, Committee for Government Properties (2011-2012)

Outside Director, KORAIL (Korea Railroad) (2008)

Outside Director, Korea Ratings Corporation (2007-2008)

Editor, BFL, published by the Center for Financial Law, Seoul National University (2006-2011)

Member, Council on Financial Development under the Ministry of Economy and Finance (2002-2004)

Vice Chairman, Banking, Finance and Securities Committee, Inter-Pacific Bar Association (2001-2004)

Adjunct Professor, Graduate School of International Studies, Yonsei University (2000-2008)

Director, Kyung-in Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (2000-2004)

Member, Evaluation Committee, Korea Research Council of Public Science & Technology (a government entity responsible for supervising government-funded science and technology research institutes) (1999-2001)

Adjunct Professor, Graduate School of International Studies, Korea University (1998-1999)

Representative Activitiesshow

Awards

Korean Presidential Medal of Honor (for his contribution to G20 Seoul Summit, 2011)

Publications/Activities

[Publications]

G20 and Global Financial Regulatory Reforms, BFL, No. 45 (2011)
G20's Financial Regulatory Reform and Korea's Response, Capital Market PERSPECTIVE, Vol. 2, No.3 (2010)
Cross Border Residential Mortgage Backed Securities – a Case Study in Korea, BFL, No. 14 (Co-author, 2005)
Securitization in Korea, Korean Forum on International Trade and Business Law, Vol. 8 (1999)
On Theory of Lender Liabilities: Cases of U.S. and Japan, Commercial Law Review, Vol. XVI, No. 2 (1997)
Telecommunications Business and Financial Innovation, Telecoms Market, Vol. 8 (1997)
A Chapter on Korean Securities Law in International Securities Law (Euromoney, 1996)
Public Disclosure System and Protection of Confidential Information, Journal of Korean Public Administration, Vol. 27, No. 4 (1994)
Litigation and Pretrial Negotiation under Incomplete Information, Journal of Law, Economics and Organization, Vol. 10, No. 1 (Co-author, Oxford University Press, 1994)
Regulatory Takings and Compensation: For the Efficiency of Governmental Policy, Journal of Korean Public Administration, Vol. 27, No. 2 (1993)
The Role of Precedent in the Repeated Litigation, Journal of Law, Economics and Organization, Vol. 9, No. 2 (Co-author, Oxford University Press, 1993)
Economic Analysis of Litigation with Multiple Parties (Ph.D. Dissertation, 1991)

[Speaking Engagements]

Speaker, “Toward Balanced Regulation in Korea for the Crypto Industry,” AMCHAM Blockchain Seminar 2022 (The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, 2022.9.)
Discussant, Session 9, “Transition of New Government’s Digital Asset Policy and Expectations,” NFT META Korea 2022 (Korea CEO Summit, 2022.7.)
Lecturer, “Financial Innovation and Virtual Assets: Focusing on Smart Contract and DAO,” Future Strategy Research Workshop (Korea Development Institute, 2022.7.)
Keynote Speaker, “FinTech and Financial Innovation,” FinTechers’ Night 2021 (Financial Services Commission·Fintech Center Korea·Korean Fintech Industry Association, 2021.12.)
Discussant, Session 1, NFT META Seoul 2021: ‘NFT, The Emergence of New Financial Assets·The Beginning of Great Voyage of Metaverse’ (Korea CEO Summit, 2021.11.)
Discussant, “How to Legislate Virtual Assets (Crypto Assets) Transactions” Seminar (National Assemblyman Youn Kwansuk·Korea Economic Law Association·Korea Consumer Law Society, 2021.11.)
Speaker, “How to Reduce Risks in Crypto-Asset Markets,” 2021 Busan Money Show (Busan Metropolitan City·Maeil Business News Korea, 2021.11.)
Speaker, “Trend and Implications of the Crypto-Asset Markets,” Autumn Academic Conference 2021: ‘Current Status and Directions for Improvement of Cryptocurrency’ (Fourth Industrial Revolution Convergence Law Association, 2021.9.)
Session Chair, “The Future of Digital Currency and Finance,” Munhwa Finance Report (MFiR) 2021 (Munhwa Ilbo, 2021.9.)
Discussant, “Blockchain Technology and Data Policy” Session, Asian Leadership Conference 2021: ‘World after Covid-19: Rebuilding Trust and Cooperation’ (The Chosun Ilbo, 2021.6.)
Discussant, “2021 Discussion Seminar on Legislation regarding Regulation of Virtual Asset Industry” (National Assemblyman Lee Yongwoo·NEWSPIM, 2021.6.)
Discussant, “Virtual Asset Symposium: Tasks for Risk Reduction and Soft-Landing of Virtual Asset Market” (National Assemblyman Kim Byungwook·The Dong-A Ilbo, 2021.6.)
“[Aha Interview] 2 Reasons Why Legislation over Virtual Asset Industry is Necessary…Investor Protection·Industry Development” Interview (Asia Times, 2021.6.)
“Crypto Craze, Should Lend Support to Industry Development as well as Consumer Protection” Interview (Sisa Journal, 2021.6.)
“Volatile Cryptocurrency, Any countermeasures?” Interview, Newstory (SBS News, 2021.6.)
“Newscenter 19:00” Interview (Arirang TV, 2021.6.)
“‘Roller Coaster Ride’ Virtual Currency…Mainstream vs No Use” Interview, TBS Network730 (TBS News, 2021.4.)
“[Crypto Craze] ⑥Expert- Authorities Should be Open to Recognition of Cryptocurrency” Interview (Yonhap News, 2021.4.)
“Newly Building the Digital Assets,” Interview (Hankyung TV, 2021.2.)
Discussant, “Discussions, Virtual Asset Business Law TF for Promotion of the Blockchain Industry and Protection of Consumers” (National Assemblyman Kim Byungwook (Democratic Party)/Korea Blockchain Association/Coindesk Korea, 2021.1.)
“Regarding AML Law Amendments,” Interview, BlockchainUS, Special Edition (2020.12.)
Discussant, Digital Asset Expo (DAXPO) 2020 (Korea Blockchain Association/Coindesk Korea, 2020.9.)
Key Note Address Speaker, “Amendments to Presidential Decree of the AML Law: Proposal for Development of Virtual Asset Industry,” Presidential Decrees Amendments to AML Law Conference, National Assembly (2020.6.)
Discussant, “Smart Financial Innovation, Inclusive Economy and Smart Korea,” The Financial Revolution in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Global Finance Society Policy Symposium (2020.1.)
Lecturer, “Financial Innovation and Blockchain: Focusing on Smart Contracts” (FinTech Center of Seoul National University/Graduate School of Information, Yonsei University 2019-2020)
Discussant, Digital Asset Expo (DAXPO) 2019 (Busan City/Coindesk Korea, 2019.9.)
Lecturer, “Financial Innovation and Smart Contracts,” B Capitalist Blockchain Education Program (2019-2020)
“Virtual Currency and Consumer Protection,” The Seventh Financial Consumer Protection Symposium (Korea Economic Daily, 2018.12.)
“Whose Second Life Is It Anyway? Personal Information and Financial Services,” Annual Conference 2018, in Rome, Italy (International Bar Association, 2018.10.)
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Financial Regulatory Innovation,” Financial Leap Forward in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Global Finance Society Policy Symposium (2018.8.)
Session Chair, “Hedge Fund Regulation and Financial Stability,” Korea Hedge Funds: New Challenge and Opportunity (Financial Services Commission/Financial Supervisory Service/Korea Capital Market Institute/The New York Hedge Fund Roundtable, 2012.6.)
Panelist, “South Korea’s Financial Landscape,” The Bellwether Series: South Korea - The Future of Finance in Asia Pacific, Economist Conferences (The Economist, 2011.9.)
Panelist, “Financial Fragility and Regulatory Reforms” Regulatory Reforms and the Future of Finance (Korea Capital Market Institute, 2011.6.)
Key Note Address Speaker, “Accomplishments and Tasks of G20 Seoul Summit - Financial Regulatory Reform from the Emerging Market Perspective,” Korea and Kazakhstan: Common Opportunities and Challenges in the Financial Market, Sharing the G20 Seoul Summit Outcomes, The First Korea-Kazakhstan Financial Forum, in Almaty, Kazakhstan (2010.12.)
Key Note Address Speaker, “The Global Financial Regulatory Reforms and the G20,” AsiaRisk Congress 2010, in Hong Kong (2010.11.)
“Financial Regulatory Reform and Cooperation Among Asian Countries,” IMF-ADB Institute Conference, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2010.10.)
“The Future Financial System” in “Reshaping Global Economic Governance and the Role of Asia in G20,” ADB-Peterson Institute for International Economics Conference (2010.10.)
Session Chair, “Financial Crisis, Financial Reform and the G20,” G20 Seoul International Symposium: Toward the Consolidation of G20 Summits: From Crisis Committee to Global Steering Committee (2010.10.)
“Reform on Financial Regulation and Financial Supervision,” Korea-Canada-France G20 Seminar (2010.9.)
“Korea’s Experience,” Korea-FSB Financial Reform Conference, An Emerging Market Perspective, The Presidential Committee for G20 Summit and the FSB (2010.9.)
Session Chair, “Financial Regulatory Reforms,” Institute of International Finance Spring Membership Meeting, in Vienna, Austria (2010.6.)
Session Chair, “The Role of the Financial Stability Board,” International Governance Innovation: Issues for 2010 Summits, in Toronto, Canada (Center for International Governance Innovation, 2010.5.)
“Seeking Stability,” Interview (AsiaRisk, 2010.4.)
Panelist, “Policy Dialogue - Responding to the Financial Crisis - Financial Reform Impacts and Regulatory Regime Changes,” Asia in the New Economic Order, Asian Financial Forum, in Hong Kong (2010.1.)
“An In-Depth Look at the Korean Economy and Policy Responses to the Current Crisis,” ADB-FSC Joint Conference (2009.10.)
“Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on Korea - Policy Responses and Obstacles in Implementation,” Global Crisis Response: Financial Policy Responses and Lessons from the Crisis (ADB/Financial Services Commission/Ministry of Finance and Economy, 2009.9.)

Education

Stanford University (Ph.D., Economics, 1991)

Stanford Law School (J.D., 1990)

Seoul National University (B.A., Economics, 1981)

Qualifications

Admitted to bar, New York, 1991; Washington D.C., 1992

Languages

Korean, English and Chinese

Insights

Search Professionals

EXPERTISE RESET SEARCH

Jong-Goo YI Foreign Attorney