Former Representative Gu Hee-jin: "If Elected as Head of Geumtu Association, No Reappointment"

[Interview with Candidate for Chairman of the Korea Financial Investment Association③]
Gu Hee-jin, Former CEO of Daesin Asset Management
"The Chairman Must Act with a Fierce Sense of Duty"

Former CEO of Daeshin Asset Management, Koo Hee-jin, who declared candidacy for the Financial Investment Association chairman election.

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] "Harmony and communication, isn't this done too much?"

Former CEO of Daishin Asset Management, Koo Hee-jin, announced his candidacy for the 6th chairman of the Korea Financial Investment Association (KOFIA), opening with, "There are candidates who say they will amplify the industry's voice, speak their minds, or serve, but above all, this position is one where work must be done."

He viewed that the industry, authorities, and investors surrounding the financial investment sector all share the same dream. The growth of the capital market can be seen as that dream. The association must play a role in realizing this dream. It should not end with merely conveying the industry's voice to the authorities, nor should it be seen as doing someone else's work. He explained that the association must work with a desperate sense of mission to enable the industry's actual development.

Financial Investment Association, Toward Second-Generation Leadership

Gu Hee-jin, former CEO of Daeshin Asset Management, who declared candidacy for the Financial Investment Association chairman election.

Former CEO Koo said, "If the first-generation KOFIA chairman was like Chairman Hwang Young-ki, representing the industry's interests through personal leadership, then the second generation requires leadership that brings out the organization's capabilities," emphasizing, "The second-generation KOFIA chairman I pursue will have a secretary-general type of leadership that resolves conflicts of interest, communicates based on legal grounds, checks risks, and revitalizes market mechanisms through self-regulation."

He revealed that if he becomes chairman, he plans to start with a member satisfaction survey. He said, "The dignity of the association and the authority of the chairman all come from the member companies," adding, "This survey will be an opportunity to enhance the association's competitiveness and increase industry satisfaction." The satisfaction survey was a method he found effective while conducting head office satisfaction evaluations for each branch at Daishin Securities and using it as a KPI.

At the same time, former CEO Koo stated, "I will find ways to normalize the current financial market stagnation." Although the existing association proposed setting up an SPC to help small and medium-sized securities firms through collective contributions, he believes this is not a practical method. Rather, he thinks it is reasonable to promptly request support from the authorities to ensure the market mechanism functions well and for the association to prepare self-regulations to prevent the industry from repeating the same mistakes.

Trinity for the Growth of the Financial Investment Industry

Gu Hee-jin, former CEO of Daeshin Asset Management, who declared candidacy for the Financial Investment Association chairman election.

Ultimately, he stated, "The goal is to realize a trinity for the growth of the financial investment industry: substantial protection of financial investors, restoration of trust in the financial investment industry, and growth and revaluation of the capital market."

▲ Improving risk management systems and strengthening practical financial consumer protection through social consensus bodies ▲ Contributing to enhancing returns on retirement pensions and national pensions and promoting capital market growth and revaluation through the activation of investment culture ▲ Leading the restoration of trust in the financial investment industry during his term by strengthening regulations against unfair trading, protecting shareholder rights of listed companies, and enhancing social responsibility.

Former CEO Koo said, "My strength lies in knowing well where actual work can be done, whether in the authorities or political circles." He is a so-called 'star analyst' turned CEO. He served as CEO of Daishin Asset Management from 2015 until stepping down this June, but most of his life was spent at Daishin Securities. Especially since 2000, he was recognized as a top analyst in the IT sector. Because he has explained the market wherever called, including to authorities and political circles, he has close ties with many people across various fields, including current CEOs of major securities firms.

Former CEO Koo said, "I think the current association needs an attitude of 'Brother, please help' anytime," adding, "Internally, I plan to mingle with employees and walk together to create and achieve goals."

Finally, he explained, like current KOFIA chairman Na Jae-cheol, "If elected, I do not plan to seek re-election," stating, "Currently, the chairman must run around in a secretary-general role, and after that, the next generation should take over to create a different image."

What is the Schedule for the KOFIA Chairman Election?

Gu Hee-jin, former CEO of Daeshin Asset Management, who declared candidacy for the Financial Investment Association chairman election.

For former CEO Koo to become chairman, he must pass the candidate recommendation committee to be formed by the Korea Financial Investment Association. This is a qualification verification process for the chairman, and it does not seem difficult for Koo to pass. However, the problem is that among multiple registered candidates, only 2 to 3 are usually recommended as actual candidates. Currently, five people, including former CEO Koo, have declared their candidacy. Since Chairman Na has announced he will not run, additional candidates may emerge once registration begins.

The voting day is likely to be on the 23rd of next month, considering that Chairman Na's term ends at the end of this year, along with work handover and holidays. Voting will be conducted by CEOs of regular member companies (59 securities firms, 308 asset management firms, 14 real estate trust companies, 4 futures companies, totaling 385 companies). Voting rights are allocated differently according to membership fee contribution rates.