Choi Kwang-jin, New CEO of IBK Investment & Securities, Outlines Growth Strategy

Choi Kwang-jin, CEO of IBK Investment & Securities. [Photo provided by IBK Investment & Securities]

Choi Kwang-jin, the newly appointed CEO of IBK Investment & Securities, has presented a vision to strengthen the company's role as a specialized securities firm for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while laying the groundwork for its advancement as a comprehensive financial investment business.

According to IBK Investment & Securities, Choi outlined his plans during his inaugural speech on June 30, stating, "The direction we will pursue is 'IBK Investment & Securities growing together based on trust.' I will establish a solid growth foundation for our leap as a comprehensive financial investment business."

He emphasized that the growth he envisions is not merely about expanding size but achieving balanced growth built on a stable revenue base. Choi stated, "I will reorganize our business portfolio to ensure that all divisions can grow evenly and pursue various measures to enhance our capital, laying the foundation for our leap as a comprehensive financial investment business."

Choi also highlighted the importance of expanding synergies with the IBK Financial Group. He mentioned, "We will actively promote our core securities business, including initial public offerings (IPOs) and acquisition financing, as well as private equity funds to support management succession for SMEs, while also enhancing the capabilities of the 'IBKS Family Office.'"

As the only securities firm affiliated with a state-owned bank in South Korea, he expressed a commitment to further support SMEs. Choi remarked, "We will continue to expand venture capital supply to small and venture companies, reinforcing the role of a securities firm in fostering the growth of innovative enterprises, and we will establish ourselves as a capital market partner based on the reputation and trust of 'IBK' as a policy finance representative."

He also identified productive finance aligned with government policies and securing future growth engines as key tasks. Choi stated, "We will contribute to creating future growth engines for the nation by supporting the growth of innovative companies and participating in infrastructure projects, while proactively responding to new digital financial environments such as token securities (STO) and stablecoins."

Choi plans to drive internal innovation as well. He explained, "We will comprehensively overhaul inefficient processes, such as the operation of complex branch systems, and actively utilize AI across all operations to enhance productivity and efficiency. We will automate repetitive and standardized tasks, allowing employees to focus on building relationships with clients and tasks requiring professional judgment."

He proposed the management philosophy of 'No Trust, No Business' (무신불립). Choi emphasized, "The most important asset of a financial company is trust. I will make the enhancement of internal controls and risk management systems the first principle of our management, further strengthening customer-centric management and financial consumer protection."

Finally, he stated, "We will establish a performance-based accountability management system and create an organizational culture where employees can demonstrate their capabilities in an autonomous environment. Let us work together to create a securities firm that customers seek first, a financial partner that SMEs trust the most, and a financial investment company recognized by the market."

Choi, born in 1965, graduated from Busanjin High School and earned a degree in economics from Korea University. He obtained his MBA from the University of Iowa in the United States. He joined IBK in 1992 and has held various positions, including head of strategic planning, branch manager in Hanoi, head of investment finance, head of the western regional headquarters, and head of the Corporate Investment Banking (CIB) group. Last year, he became the vice president in charge of management at IBK Investment & Securities before being appointed CEO on June 30.

* This article has been translated by AI.