KB Financial Group, named Best Financial Institution, has been recognized for emerging as a national dividend stock through record-breaking shareholder returns. This achievement helped the company become the first financial holding company to surpass 60 trillion won ($42 billion) in market capitalization in February.
Hana Financial Group was highly praised for its leadership in inclusive finance through customized financial support for small business owners and lifecycle-integrated support for vulnerable groups including people with disabilities. Shinhan Financial Group contributed to financial consumer protection through data-driven preemptive fraud prevention. Jeong Eun-hye, head of Hana Bank's AI division, developed AI services that strengthen public interest and social contribution in finance.
In the banking sector, Kakao Bank and IBK Industrial Bank of Korea won Best Retail Banking and Best Corporate Banking respectively. NH NongHyup Bank was named winner in the Best Innovative Finance category. Toss Bank received the Best Product Development Award for its "See When You Send" international remittance service, while Shinhan Financial Group won the Best Social Contribution and ESG Award for its "Just Dream" initiative. Kwon Soon-ki, branch manager of KB GOLD&WISE the FIRST Apgujeong Center, was selected as Best Private Banker.
In the non-banking sector, Sung Young-soo, CEO of Hana Card, received the Best Credit Finance Executive Award, and KB Kookmin Card was selected for the Best Credit Finance Product Award. Lee Seok-tae, CEO of Woori Financial Savings Bank, won Best Savings Bank Executive, while JT Chinae Savings Bank was named Best Savings Bank. Jang Myung-chul, chairman of Sindang 1·2·3-dong Saemaul Geumgo, received the Best Mutual Finance Executive Award, and Geumcheon Credit Union won Best Mutual Finance. Korea Asset Management Corporation, which operates the New Leap Fund and Fresh Start Fund, was selected as Best Financial Public Enterprise.
Ko Dong-won, honorary professor at Sungkyunkwan University Law School and chairman of the judging committee, said, "We confirmed that financial companies continue to challenge and innovate despite difficult domestic and international economic conditions, including the U.S.-Iran conflict."
The Korea Best Banker Awards, now in its 15th year, is hosted by Seoul Economic Daily and sponsored by the Financial Services Commission, Financial Supervisory Service, Korea Federation of Banks, Korea Federation of Savings Banks, and Credit Finance Association. The awards annually recognize financial institutions and professionals who have made significant contributions to the development of the financial industry. This year's ceremony will be held on July 1 at Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul.