Hana Financial to foster domestic AI, software industry

Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo, right, poses with Korea Software Industry Association Chairman Joh Joon-hee after signing a business agreement at Hana Financial Group's headquarters in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Hana Financial Group

Hana Financial Group will strengthen its financial support to foster the growth of Korea's artificial intelligence (AI) and software industries, based on a newly signed partnership with the Korea Software Industry Association (KOSA), the company said Sunday.

The business agreement was signed Friday, with Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo and KOSA Chairman Joh Joon-hee in attendance.

Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate to build a sustainable ecosystem for Korea's AI and software sectors, enhance their global business competitiveness and promote the spread of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG)-driven management practices.

In particular, Hana Financial Group will provide a range of support to promising companies and leading ESG-focused firms selected by KOSA.

This support includes investment and financial assistance, preferential rates on interest and foreign exchange, capital market financing, securities agency services and consulting for initial public offerings, business operations and corporate succession.

In addition, they will work together to accelerate AI transformation among Korean companies. The two organizations plan to jointly offer training and support to businesses undergoing digital and AI transformation.

They will also collaborate on research and AI model development to strengthen Korea's domestic AI capabilities, while identifying, nurturing and investing in promising startups in the sector.

Hana Financial Group said it will leverage its global network and its deep expertise in corporate finance to support the overseas expansion of Korean AI and software firms.

"We hope this partnership between Hana Financial Group, equipped with top-tier global capabilities and deep corporate finance expertise, and KOSA, which represents over 15,000 AI and software companies, will open up new growth pathways for Korea's AI industry," Ham said.

"We will do our utmost to serve as a reliable partner, supporting AI and software companies that will lead the industries of the future toward sustainable growth."