The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) has earned international recognition for anti-corruption and compliance management, achieving ISO 37001 and ISO 37301 certifications. At a time when transparency and governance standards shape the credibility of global startup ecosystems, this milestone strengthens Korea’s position as a trusted hub for entrepreneurs, investors, and partners entering its market.
KOSME Achieves ISO Anti-Corruption and Compliance Certifications
On September 12, KOSME announced it had officially received the ISO 37001 (Anti-Bribery Management System) and ISO 37301 (Compliance Management System) certifications from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
The certifications were awarded after a comprehensive evaluation of KOSME’s internal control strategies, compliance procedures, and ethical governance frameworks. The certification review also included recommendations which KOSME adopted to further strengthen its risk management systems.
Why ISO 37001 and ISO 37301 Certifications Matter for Governance
ISO 37001 and ISO 37301 are globally recognized benchmarks for integrity and compliance. They assess how organizations establish preventive measures, monitor risks, and enforce accountability.
For Korea, where government-backed agencies play a central role in supporting startups and SMEs, such certifications go beyond symbolic achievement. They build trust with international investors, partners, and founders considering Korea as a gateway market for Asia-Pacific expansion.
KOSME’s compliance upgrades align with broader government efforts to modernize internal control, ethical management, and SME policy governance, reinforcing the credibility of Korea’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Stakeholder Statements on the Certification
A KOSME representative further explained that the agency strengthened its governance structures by:
- Incorporating recommendations made during the certification audit,
- Using risk-control manuals to identify and analyze potential vulnerabilities,
- Enhancing organizational procedures to ensure more effective responses.
In addition, under the leadership of its Chairman, KOSME has operated an Internal Control Committee and an Ethics and Human Rights Management Committee. The agency has also:
- Refined internal control governance structures and procedures,
- Reinforced field-oriented monitoring functions,
- Expanded ethics and integrity training,
- Promoted risk-reduction initiatives with full departmental participation.
Chairman Kang Seok-jin also emphasized the significance of the certification:
“This achievement demonstrates that our agency’s organization-wide efforts in anti-corruption and compliance innovation have been recognized internationally. Going forward, we will uphold global standards for internal control and strengthen our role as a trusted public institution contributing to a fairer society.”
KOSME is Strengthening Trust for Startups and Investors
It is crucial to note that for startups and investors, trust in institutions is as vital as capital or market access. Public agencies such as KOSME administer funding programs, export support, and acceleration schemes that help Korean ventures scale globally. International certification ensures these processes are transparent, minimizing risks of mismanagement or governance failures.
That is why by institutionalizing compliance at the highest standards, Korea strengthens its reputation as a venture-friendly, transparent market. This credibility is particularly vital for global investors evaluating Korea against other hubs in the Asia-Pacific region, where governance standards often vary.
The certification also sets a precedent for other ecosystem stakeholders — accelerators, incubators, and venture partners — to align with ISO-based governance practices, raising the overall integrity baseline of Korea’s startup landscape.
Toward Sustainable and Transparent Ecosystem Growth
Ultimately, KOSME’s acquisition of ISO 37001 and ISO 37301 certification represents Korea’s commitment to integrity, risk management, and global-standard governance. And these foundations are essential for sustainable startup growth and international collaboration.
Not only that but this recognition also reinforces Korea’s positioning not only as a center of competitive startups but also as a trusted ecosystem where transparency and sustainability are built into the infrastructure that supports entrepreneurial growth.
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