Lee Seung-yeol, Hana Bank President: "We Will Lay the Foundation to Become the Leading Bank This Year"

[Bank President New Year Interview] ③ Hana Bank

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] Lee Seung-yeol, CEO of Hana Bank, stated on the 20th, "Hana Bank will firmly establish the foundation to leap forward as a leading bank."

In an interview with Asia Economy, CEO Lee said, "We will further enhance our strengths in asset management, corporate finance, and foreign exchange to create a gap with competitors and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth in the future." Amid deteriorating economic conditions such as high interest rates and a sluggish real estate market, he set this year's goal as "Hana Bank stronger in crisis."

Regarding the strategy to become a leading bank, he explained, "In a situation where long-term low growth of the domestic economy is expected to become entrenched, sustainable growth is difficult with the traditional loan-deposit business model alone."

CEO Lee plans to strongly cultivate Hana Bank's unique advantages compared to other banks. He said, "Hana Bank was the first in Korea to introduce the Private Banker (PB) business model and the Relationship Manager (RM) system dedicated to corporate clients in the financial industry," adding, "We will level up the organization and systems in asset management, corporate finance, and foreign exchange sectors and promote a strategy to spread these strengths throughout the entire bank."

Regarding the recent hot topic of digital transformation in the banking sector, CEO Lee emphasized, "We plan to strengthen the comprehensive financial platform ecosystem centered on the mobile banking app 'Hana One Q' and expand customer touchpoints through strategic alliances among affiliates," and added, "We will also further enhance the digital environment integrated with our strength in asset management."

Hana Bank also announced plans to establish a new global revenue model this year. In Southeast Asia, it will expand digital-based businesses, and in advanced markets such as the U.S. and Eurozone, it will continue to pursue partnerships with key players in global corporate finance (IB).

CEO Lee explained, "Uncertainty in the global market is expected to increase further this year," and said, "To strengthen response capabilities, we plan to establish and operate regional headquarters." He added, "We will not only increase sales personnel but also expand the global local deployment of credit officers who enhance on-site risk management capabilities to increase high-quality assets based on risk management."

Especially amid the recent continued decline in household loans, Hana Bank will also strengthen its corporate loan strategy this year. CEO Lee said, "In the case of corporate loans, concentrated demand for funds is expected due to expectations of economic improvement," and added, "We intend to operate by simultaneously expanding solid loan assets for mid-sized and small corporations and managing risks considering market conditions."

CEO Lee cited worsening economic conditions such as high inflation, high interest rates, and high exchange rates as management threats this year. He particularly emphasized the need to pay attention to increased credit risk. His view is that risk management must be strengthened while preparing for risks centered on vulnerable borrowers and marginal companies. CEO Lee stated, "Proactive asset soundness management and maintaining a constant crisis response system in response to the complex crisis situation will be our top priority," and added, "We plan to strengthen and operate risk management processes from the sales field to proactively respond to crisis situations."