Hanwha Asset Management

Founded in 1988, Hanwha Asset Management has grown into a comprehensive asset management company that offers a full range of financial instruments, including stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), real estate, infrastructure, and private equity/venture capital (PE/VC) in both domestic and overseas capital markets. Guided by our customer-first principle, our professional staff brings unparalleled expertise in operating highly organized systems across all areas, including product development, research, compliance, and risk management. As of the end of 2023, we were one of South Korea’s top asset management companies, recording 102.83 trillion won ($78.78 billion) in assets under management (AUM).

In July 2024, Hanwha Asset Management rebranded its existing ETF brand, ARIRANG, to “PLUS” to deliver future value through investment products focused on customer asset protection, technology, and innovation. The PLUS K-Defense ETF, launched in 2023, achieved the highest return in the domestic ETF market in 2024, with a return of 62.21% as of the closing price on October 31, driven by the strong export performance of the South Korean defense industry. The net asset value of the PLUS K-Defense ETF has grown to around $193.89 million. Building on this success, the ETF has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Our alternative investment business, including PE/VC, infrastructure, and real estate, has also continued to grow, surpassing $15.51 billion in AUM as of the end of September 2024. The PE/VC business achieved particularly significant growth, with approximately $4.65 billion in AUM as of the end of 2023. Additionally, we have obtained a REIT AMC license from South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, and entered the REIT business in the first quarter of 2023.

Based on our accumulated capabilities in the domestic market, Hanwha Asset Management is advancing as a global asset management company, operating businesses in the U.S. and Singapore. Our subsidiary in the U.S. strengthened its market position in 2023 by launching a local alternative investment fund, while our subsidiary in Singapore is being utilized as a key hub for expanding into the Asian market.

Additionally, we are focusing on expanding digital finance. In 2021, we launched the PINE app, a direct fund sales platform for individual investors. PINE has received positive feedback from investors, specifically millennials and Generation Z, by offering low fees and valuable investment information.

Looking ahead, we will continue to lay the foundation for future growth with a focus on the retirement plan market and alternative investments. We are also actively promoting global businesses and digital financial platforms as we become a comprehensive asset management solutions provider and top-tier asset management company in Asia.