Article:
South Korea’s leading financial holding companies — KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, and Woori — are undertaking broad digital transformation initiatives in 2026, with AI and emerging financial technologies central to their strategies.

KB Financial Group Chairman Yang Jong-hee outlined the group’s focus on “transition and expansion” for 2026. He said, “KB should safeguard its existing strengths and foundations while reshaping its business approach to adapt to a changing environment and broadening its reach to customer segments and markets that have so far received less attention.” Yang highlighted the need to turn paradigm shifts such as productive finance into strategic growth engines through enhanced risk management and advisory capabilities.

Shinhan Financial Group Chairman Jin Ok-dong stressed the pivotal role of technology in reshaping finance. “If we remain stuck in old ways, we cannot survive in the future financial arena. To go somewhere different, we must run at least twice as fast, which is why continuous change and innovation are essential,” he said, emphasising the need for AI adoption and stronger synergies across banking, securities, insurance, and asset management.

Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo focused on emerging stablecoin ecosystems. “Partnerships with a broad range of domestic and global players are needed to secure practical use cases and complete a stablecoin distribution network tied to everyday transactions,” he said, underscoring the need for resilient innovation in the face of uncertainty.

Woori Financial Group Chairman Yim Jong-ryong highlighted the companywide AI transformation. “A companywide AI transformation will further upgrade our AI capabilities and bolster our future competitiveness in digital growth industries,” he said, noting that the firm will expand productive finance and reinforce its integrated banking, insurance, and securities services.

Discover how South Korea’s financial sector is redefining digital transformation and AI adoption strategies in the full story.

Photo credits to KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, and Woori