Korea’s four major banks — KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Woori and Hana — have been slapped with a combined fine worth 272 billion won ($183.8 million) for engaging in collusion when selling mortgage loans, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) said Wednesday. According to the watchdog, the major banks unfairly shared information on real estate loan-to-value (LTV) ratios nationwide, in an apparent move for each to maintain the ratio at a similar level. This enabled them to evade competition and reduce risks when mapping out sales strategies, the antitrust authority said. The ratio is a key barometer in determining the total amount of loans banks can offer to property owners. The banks set the ratio for all the properties across the nation and adjust the figure when necessary. The four banks exchanged relevant information, even if they were aware that the practice was in violation of the law, the FTC said. The watchdog’s latest investigation also found out that the banks' working-level officials, who carried out the tasks, deleted all the traces of the unfair practice. Hana Bank faced the highes