- Hanwha Life to explore cooperation in digital assets and capital markets; Hanwha Asset Management to expand cooperation on stablecoins and financial infrastructure
- Hanwha Finance also signs an ADFW 2026 Partnership, further strengthening its financial network with Abu Dhabi
Seoul, Republic of Korea | Abu Dhabi, UAE – Hanwha Finance is expanding its cooperation with Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem, strengthening connections between Korea and Abu Dhabi through its ‘Digital Asset Silk Road’ vision.
Hanwha Life, Hanwha General Insurance, Hanwha Investment & Securities and Hanwha Asset Management (collectively, “Hanwha Finance”) announced expanded cooperation with Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem on 17 September, following the signing of partnerships with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, at the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum Seoul (ADIF Seoul), held at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul on 16 September.
The event was attended by Hyek Woong Kwon, Vice Chairman and CEO of Hanwha Life; Dong Wook (Don) Kim, Chief Global Business Officer (CGBO) of Hanwha Life; Dongjun Im, CEO of Hanwha Asset Management; Seungpill Baik, Head of Digital Innovation at Hanwha Asset Management; H.E. Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Department of Community Development & Second Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber; H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office; and Fatima Al Hammadi, Head of the Fintech, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Investments (FIDA) Cluster at ADIO.
Hanwha Life signed a partnership with ADIO to strengthen cooperation in digital finance. Through this partnership, both parties will work together across three key areas: establishing a digital asset ecosystem, strengthening connections between the financial and capital markets of Korea and Abu Dhabi, and advancing digital banking and financial innovation. In particular, they plan to explore potential business opportunities in digital assets, including the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA).
Hanwha Asset Management, ADGM, and Hana Financial Group also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore cooperation on stablecoins and cross-border financial infrastructure. The parties will explore opportunities across digital asset and payment infrastructure, including cross-border payment and remittance solutions between Korea and Abu Dhabi, while supporting the development of a sustainable and interoperable digital asset ecosystem.
Hanwha Finance has also partnered with ADGM for Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2026, taking place in the UAE capital in December.
Through these partnerships, Hanwha Finance will further broaden the financial network it began building with Abu Dhabi through Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025, while strengthening its ties with financial markets across the Middle East.
“The Republic of Korea is an important partner for Abu Dhabi, with strong capabilities across financial services, technology, and innovation,” Fatima Al Hammadi, Head of the FIDA Cluster at ADIO, said. “Through our partnership with Hanwha we look forward to exploring opportunities across digital finance, digital assets, and financial innovation, while strengthening connections between Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem and key international markets,” she added.
H.E. Rashed Al Blooshi, CEO of the Registration Authority at ADGM, said: “The growing economic relationship between the UAE and the Republic of Korea creates significant opportunities for Korean companies and investors looking to establish and expand their presence in Abu Dhabi and across the region.
“As Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, ADGM provides a world-class platform from which businesses can access the emirate’s deep pools of capital and rapidly expanding financial ecosystem, while benefiting from a dynamic and business-friendly environment underpinned by forward-looking regulation and seamless setup processes.
“We look forward to strengthening our connections with the Korean business and investment community and supporting more Korean companies as they establish, scale, and pursue opportunities from Abu Dhabi into regional and global markets.”
Hyek Woong Kwon, Vice Chairman and CEO of Hanwha Life under Hanwha Finance, said, “Through this agreement, we will turn our cooperation with Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem into tangible business opportunities. Building on this partnership, we will further strengthen Hanwha Life’s foundations for growth as a leading global financial institution.”
Dongjun Im, CEO of Hanwha Asset Management under Hanwha Finance, said: “We will contribute to building a stable and interoperable digital asset ecosystem while continuing to strengthen our competitiveness in the global digital finance sector.”
ADIF is an investment forum led by ADIO designed to showcase Abu Dhabi’s investment environment and future growth sectors to international markets, while identifying opportunities for long-term investment and business partnerships with major companies and investors. Leading companies and investment representatives from Korea and Abu Dhabi attended the event to discuss new investment and business opportunities between the two markets.
About Hanwha Finance
Hanwha Finance is a trusted financial partner that empowers individuals and communities with lifelong personal finance solutions. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its digital financial offerings and tailoring them to diverse lifestyles, Hanwha Finance enables people to achieve financial well-being and supports societies in pursuing sustainable growth. With $130 billion in assets under management (AUM), Hanwha Finance provides seamless digital experiences and drives sustainable growth through AI and big data technologies. Expanding beyond digital finance, Web3, and wealth management, the company is broadening its presence across comprehensive financial sectors and forming strategic partnerships to drive global financial innovation. By continuously incorporating the latest advances in digital finance, Hanwha Finance aims to make asset management even smarter and more convenient for investors worldwide.
For more information, visit: https://www.hanwha.com/industries/finance.do
| About Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi’s growth and enabling the emirate’s economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services. Initiatives focused on supporting tourism and retail development, as well as public-private partnerships, ensure that community well-being is at the centre of Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact.
For more information, visit: https://www.investinabudhabi.gov.ae
| About Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
ADGM is the leading international financial centre (IFC) based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is one of the world’s largest financial districts by size and is the largest IFC in the Middle East and Africa by the number of active licences.
ADGM is also one of a handful of jurisdictions globally and the only one regionally to directly apply the trusted legal system of English Common Law.
Governing both Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, which are collectively designated as Abu Dhabi’s financial free zone, ADGM connects the economies of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region with global markets. Its progressive and inclusive ecosystem empowers financial and non-financial institutions to thrive, supporting innovation, sustainable growth, and long-term economic resilience.
Through its continued growth and cross-border partnerships, ADGM is strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as the ‘Capital of Capital’ and a leading global hub for finance, investment, and enterprise.
For more details on ADGM, please visit www.adgm.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram: @ADGM X: @adglobalmarket