Lee Yeon-woo is a financial journalist at The Korea Times. Her wide range of reporting includes policies, macroeconomics, stock market, companies and even crypto. She is passionate about connecting the dots in Korean finance and making it easier for foreign nationals to understand. Based on her previous experience as a national reporter, she also has a keen interest in social issues within the sector, including gender equality and ESG. Your tips and insights are always appreciated. You can send them to yanu@koreatimes.co.kr.
Korea Development Bank opens Frankfurt branch
Headquarters of the Korea Development Bank (KDB) in Seoul / Courtesy of the KDB
By Lee Yeon-woo
State-run bank aims to provide support for Korean companies in Europe
The Korea Development Bank (KDB), a state-owned policy bank, said Monday that it has opened a branch in Frankfurt, Germany.
The Frankfurt branch marks KDB’s return to the German financial market after 26 years, following its withdrawal in 1999 during the Asian Financial Crisis.
With a strategic goal of positioning itself as a "Euro Finance Hub," the branch aims to secure euro funding directly from the European market.
KDB stated that the branch's operation will help provide effective support for Korean companies doing business in Europe, while building a strong client base of global companies operating in Germany.
Europe is home to numerous Korean companies that have established local branches, subsidiaries and production facilities for automobiles, batteries, tires and more.
At the same time, the branch will focus on building high-quality assets by collaborating with major German banks.
The branch plans to actively engage in financial transactions with leading German corporations by offering tailored financial products for the local market, including the Schuldschein (a traditional German bond, privately issued and easily transferable).
Another key focus area for KDB in Europe is green finance initiatives. In the region’s advanced green finance markets, the branch plans to support Korean companies and invest in European green funds.
The Frankfurt branch completes KDB’s global network, connecting major financial centers across North America, Asia and Europe. Through coordinated collaboration with its key foreign branches, KDB said it aims to develop the Frankfurt branch into a strategic hub for its European operations.