In a concerted effort to bolster Hana Financial Group’s global presence, Chairman Ham Young-joo emphasized the importance of green financing during a meeting with Alex Heath, the First Assistant Secretary of the Australian Treasury’s Climate and Energy Division. The meeting, which took place in Canberra, marked a significant step in the company’s expansion efforts and commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management.
During his three-day visit to Australia, Ham highlighted Hana Financial’s substantial progress towards its ambitious mid- and long-term vision, “2030&60.” Unveiled in 2021, the “2030&60” vision aims to allocate 60 trillion won (approximately $43 billion) towards lending, investments, and funding for green and sustainable industries by 2030. Heath acknowledged the group’s rapid advancements, noting that nearly 45 percent of the vision has already been realized. “Hana Financial has achieved nearly 45 percent of what was announced in its mid- and long-term vision ‘2030&60’ three years ago at a remarkably fast pace, pledging environmental, social, and governance management to respond to climate changes,” Heath said.
Hana Financial Group’s alignment with Australia’s environmentally friendly policies was a focal point of the discussion. Heath expressed optimism about further collaborations, stating, “As Hana Financial has participated in various green financing directives that align with Australia’s environmentally friendly policies, we hope Hana could take on more investments and cooperation as a major global financing institution in Australia.” The Sydney branch of Hana Bank has been actively involved in various ESG initiatives, including investments in recycled energy, provision of green loans, and sustainability-linked loans. Additionally, the bank has contributed to the Australian government’s smart meter project, which tracks consumer electricity usage.
In addition to meeting with Australian government officials, Ham engaged with major investors interested in Korean banking shares following the announcement of Korea’s Corporate Value-up Program. During these meetings, Ham showcased Hana Financial Group’s initiatives related to the program and its achievements in ESG both domestically and internationally. He elaborated on the significance of the Corporate Value-up Program, stating, “The true meaning of ‘value-up’ goes beyond the boost of share prices. It is about enhancing corporate value by securing the fundamentals of sustainable profit and expansion of shareholder returns for the win-win of all market players, including retail investors.”
Ham emphasized that Hana Financial’s continuous growth has been driven by cost efficiency and sound financial management. He reiterated the group’s dedication to strengthening shareholder value through effective capital management and shareholder-friendly policies. “Hana Financial has achieved constant growth based on cost efficiency and sound financials. It will continue to do its best to strengthen shareholder value through efficient capital management and shareholder-friendly policies to become the value-up model that can represent the finance industry in Korea,” he said.
The discussions in Australia reflect Hana Financial Group’s broader strategy of integrating ESG principles into its core operations and pursuing international growth. By focusing on green financing and sustainable investments, the group aims to play a pivotal role in addressing global climate challenges while enhancing its corporate value and shareholder returns.
Ham’s visit to Australia underscores Hana Financial Group’s proactive approach to expanding its global footprint and reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. The group’s collaboration with Australian entities highlights the potential for cross-border partnerships in advancing green finance initiatives. As the financial industry continues to evolve, Hana Financial Group’s strategic vision and ESG commitments position it as a leading player in driving sustainable economic growth and fostering international cooperation.
Through its “2030&60” vision and active engagement with global partners, Hana Financial Group is set to contribute significantly to the global green finance landscape, aligning its business objectives with broader environmental and social goals. The group’s efforts in Australia exemplify its dedication to creating a sustainable future and enhancing long-term value for its stakeholders.
