Kim Sung-hwan, CEO of Korea Investment Securities, set “Beyond Boundaries” as the company’s 2026 management theme and declared a leap to become an “Asia No.1” securities firm.

In a New Year address on Thursday, Kim said, “Last year we achieved unprecedented results that will go down in the history of South Korea’s financial sector, accomplishing the feat of an overwhelming No. 1.” He added, “But this is only a victory in the domestic league. Our goal is the world stage where global giants compete.”

Kim urged staff to start 2026 with the mindset that “It’s just beginning.” He cited three boundaries the company must overcome to grow into Asia’s top securities firm: capital and business, national borders and industry.

He first voiced determination to cross the boundary between capital and business and be reborn as a new financial player.

Kim said he would expand corporate finance and investment in innovative companies based on the capital strength secured through the issuance note business (IMA). He said IMA would be a new source of revenue and play a part in powering South Korea’s growth. He added that thorough risk management to protect the trust of the market and clients was most important.

On expanding global business, he called for generating tangible results beyond simple market entry. He said the company must cross borders to handle attractive investment opportunities worldwide and make global funds flow through the Korea Investment Securities platform. He urged faster efforts to produce visible results based on the company’s Global Alliance strategy.

He also set industry expansion through digital innovation as a key task. Kim said the company must use artificial intelligence and digital technology to be reborn as a “tech company with a financial license.” He defined AI as not just a support tool but a powerful weapon that will take the firm into new revenue territory.

He added that working smart through technology, beyond working hard, must become a new source of competitiveness.