Hana Daetoo Securities CEO Kim Ji-wan

By Lee Hyo-sik
Staff Reporter

Pundits say that the financial industry is all about people, meaning securing the talented and competent workforce is a must for a company to succeed in the highly competitive business sector.

Hana Daetoo Securities CEO Kim Ji-wan stands out, among many leaders of domestic financial firms, in abiding by this ``people-first-management'' principle.

He often stresses that highly-talented employees are the core asset of financial organizations and leaders should place top priority on creating an environment where workers reach their full potential.

``The best way to boost corporate competiveness is to improve each employee's competence. We are providing workers with a range of educational and training opportunities at home and abroad. In particular, the company is helping them obtain various licenses in the financial sector,'' Kim said.

Under a slogan ``a sound mind in a sound body,'' the CEO also encourages workers to exercise as much as possible. ``The company is organizing mountain climbing and other occasions in which employees can work out together. To achieve a full potential at work, we should first boost our physical strength and stay in good shape.''

Concerning a long term goal for the securities firm, Kim wants to turn it into a comprehensive asset management service provider here that helps individual investors achieve financial security amid the rapid population aging.

``We will build a more talented and service-minded workforce and the state-of-the-art investment consultation system in order to better serve our customers and help them realize their financial goals. In the process, more clients will trust us, leveling Hana Daetwoo up to the nation's leading financial management company,'' the CEO said.

The firm also wants to diversify its business portfolio in a bid to boost its earnings and generate a steady cash flow.

``On top of brokerage services for retail and institutional equity investors, we will make a foray into more lucrative investment banking services, such as initial public offering (IPO) and merger and acquisition,'' Kim said.

He then said the company will continue to improve its administrative support and risk management system to accomplish the best possible results for customers. ``We have always and will continue to put customer interests before ours. With this client-oriented corporate culture, the competent workforce and the diversified business portfolio, we will soon be able to emerge as Korea's leading investment bank.''

leehs@koreatimes.co.kr