Taiwan Finance Ministry Backs IBF Pay Review, Consolidation

IBF Financial Holdings, Taiwan’s smallest financial holding company, came under the operational control of state-linked shareholders following its May 29, 2026 shareholder meeting and board election. The shift put renewed scrutiny on a company long marked by a fragmented ownership structure and recurring management disputes. It also raised expectations that public-sector shareholders would strengthen internal controls, improve decision-making transparency and potentially use IBF as a platform for broader consolidation in Taiwan’s financial industry.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance said in its latest statement that it supports First Commercial Bank using its shareholder oversight role to press IBF to review senior-management pay and strengthen governance. The move follows questions raised in parliament on July 22 over reports that IBF’s vice chairman could receive NT$20 million a year. The ministry also reiterated that state-linked financial companies should actively assess mergers while respecting market mechanisms, complying with regulations and protecting shareholders, employees and customers. No transaction or timetable was announced.