South Korea\'s financial sector has entered the first-quarter earnings season, with non-interest income and non-bank units driving diverging results among major financial holding companies. KB Financial Group, Shinhan Financial Group and Hana Financial Group posted record results, while Woori Financial Group recorded a decline. Strong stock markets lifted securities firms\' earnings, and new savings and investment products were launched. The industry is also accelerating a shift toward AI and digital finance, alongside calls for stronger controls and risk management.

Brokerage units of five major South Korean financial holding groups posted record-level first-quarter results, helped by a rise in domestic stock trading value. Higher trading boosted brokerage commission income, while product management gains and wealth management revenue recovered, supporting group earnings. NH Investment & Securities posted the biggest net profit. KB Securities and Hana Securities reported broad-based improvement, while Shinhan Investment showed strong brokerage and product gains but weaker investment banking.