First Innovation Experiment of the Year Goes Live: FSC Opens Door for Brokerages to Issue Stock Gift Cards

Yuanta Securities previously conducted a fintech innovation experiment for its 'Stock Gift Card,' accumulating nearly NT$60 million in redemption value over one year and driving nearly 50,000 new securities account openings. The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) announced today that this marks the first innovation experiment to go live in 2026. Considering the model's effectiveness in encouraging public participation in capital markets and expanding brokerage operations, the FSC has officially opened the service to all securities firms.

Yuanta Securities began issuing 'Stock Gift Cards' in April 2025. Purchasers can use the cards for personal use, gifting to others, or corporate marketing purposes. Recipients can redeem the card via Yuanta Securities' electronic platform using the card number, and the funds can be used for stock trading, including settlement payments, commissions, and securities transaction taxes.

Lin Hsi-sheng, Director of the FSC's Financial Market Development and Innovation Division, stated that the experiment concluded in April 2026, with cumulative redemptions nearing NT$60 million, over 90,000 participants, and nearly 50,000 new account openings—demonstrating strong market acceptance and positive impacts on investment inclusion, financial inclusion, and brokerage business expansion.

Lin noted that regulatory adjustments were made before the experiment ended, and in March 2026, the FSC approved the filing of the 'Self-Regulatory Guidelines for Securities Firms Issuing Stock Gift Cards' established by the Securities Association of the Republic of China. Brokerages interested in issuing cards can now apply through the association and file with the FSC.

Huang Chung-hao, Deputy Director of the FSC's Securities and Futures Bureau, explained that to reduce risks of fraud and misuse, stock gift cards are purchased under a real-name system. After purchase, the card number can be transferred to others for use. While several brokerages have inquired about the service, only Yuanta Securities has applied so far.

Lin stated that card denominations include NT$100, 200, 300, 500, 1,000, 3,000, and 5,000. Yuanta Securities can also support third-party marketing campaigns and may offer customized denominations based on corporate needs. According to the self-regulatory guidelines, the validity period is determined by each brokerage, with a maximum of two years. If expired, users may request a full refund of the face value.

The FSC emphasized that this is the first innovation experiment to go live in 2026 and the 10th fintech innovation experiment overall. Lin noted that the FSC currently operates under a dual-track approach of innovation experiments and business trials, with 151 applications for business trials and 128 approvals to date. The current policy focus is on business trials, and there are currently no other innovation experiment applications.