Seoul: The Supreme Court has mandated Samsung Securities Co. to compensate the National Pension Service (NPS) with 1.86 billion won (US$1.3 million) due to a dividend mishap that occurred in 2018 involving an accidental issuance of stocks.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the nation's highest court ruled in favor of the NPS in a lawsuit for damages filed against Samsung Securities. The case stemmed from a "fat-finger" error committed by an employee of the brokerage firm on April 6, 2018. The error involved the incorrect input of 1,000 shares instead of 1,000 won per share in dividends that were intended for employee compensation.

The incident, which highlighted significant procedural shortcomings, led to an involuntary issuance of shares that had substantial financial implications. The Supreme Court's decision underscores the importance of meticulousness in financial operations and the accountability of firms in ensuring the accuracy of transactions.