Hana Bank teams up with leisure-focused platform operator Nol Universe

Hana Bank CEO Lee Ho-seoung, second from left, Nol Universe CEO Bae Bo-chan, right, and other company officials pose after signing a business agreement at Nol Universe's Pangyo headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, May 9. Courtesy of Hana Financial Group

Hana Bank has teamed up with Nol Universe, an online travel and leisure company. Together, they aim to create innovative digital finance products that integrate banking with leisure. These products will also expand to include travel, sports and culture, the lender said Sunday.

The partnership is part of Hana’s strategy to expand digital financial services into the rapidly growing leisure tech space.

Nol Universe is a comprehensive online operator that provides a range of leisure services, including travel bookings for flights, hotels and tour packages.

Other services include ticket sales for cultural events, performances and exhibitions, as well as sports content.

Nol Universe operates several platforms, including NOL, NOL Ticket and NOL Interpark.

The lender said the two signed a business agreement, May 9 at Nol Universe's Pangyo headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

They plan to jointly develop a savings account only for Nol Universe affiliates and its members and roll out financial products tailored to sports fans.

More teamwork will be outlined to strengthen their collaborative marketing campaigns and bolster customer engagement.

The new products are expected to be introduced in the second half of this year.

Customers who open a Nol Universe account will also have access to rewards programs, including points storage and other exclusive membership privileges.

Hana Bank CEO Lee Ho-seoung said the collaboration will enrich their customers’ daily lives through innovative digital financial services that combine finance with leisure.

“We’re hopeful that our financial products will be able to meet the needs of sports, culture and travel enthusiasts.

The partnership is the latest in Lee's efforts to bolster customer-centric growth strategies, coupled with experience-backed management of the bank's holding firm Hana Financial Group's business and internal affairs.

The group said last year that Lee would be able to generate strong earnings, underpinned by demand-responsive marketing strategies and a corporate culture of optimism.

“Lee has extensive experience and expertise in business strategies,” the group said at the time.

"His leadership and focus propelled growth, as illustrated by the successful launch of and subsequent profit from Hana’s Travel Log Card. Similar initiatives are expected to lead the growth of the group."