KB Financial Group has opened an asset management-focused financial hub in Jeonbuk Innovation City. It plans to strengthen asset management work linked to the National Pension Service and to provide comprehensive financial services and startup support for local residents and companies.

KB Financial said on Tuesday it held an opening ceremony at Jeonbuk KB Financial Town in Jeonbuk Innovation City.

Major affiliates including KB Kookmin Bank, KB Securities, KB Insurance and KB Asset Management will move into the financial town. KB Financial plans to support asset management work linked to the National Pension Service and to run the site as a regional financial hub where financial professionals and innovative companies can grow together.

After the opening, about 350 KB Financial Group employees, including about 150 locally hired staff, are expected to be based in Jeonbuk Innovation City.

KB Financial will operate KB Asset Management's Jeonju office and KB Securities' Jeonju CIB Center to build an asset management-centered financial ecosystem.

For local residents and companies, it has set up a combined bank and securities branch, a KB Golden Life Center offering senior-focused financial consultations, a KB Hope Finance Center supporting debt restructuring and economic recovery for low-income and vulnerable groups, and an AI-based non-face-to-face asset management consultation center.

It is also 추진ing support for small and medium-sized companies and youth entrepreneurship. KB Financial plans to expand affiliate cooperation and investment linkages centered on its startup incubating platform, KB Innovation HUB, to support startups and company growth in the region.

It will also make new investments in a fund to foster climate tech venture companies linked to climate, energy and agri-bio sectors. It plans to support companies in areas such as carbon reduction, renewable energy and smart farming so they can start up and grow in the region.

KB Financial will also run social contribution programs for local small business owners, including financial support and consulting, financial education and cultural programs. It will also operate education programs to nurture future financial talent.

KB Financial Chairman Jong-hee Yang (양종희) said, "Jeonbuk KB Financial Town is the starting point of an asset management-focused financial ecosystem where finance, industry and the region grow together centered on the National Pension." He added, "We will continue to expand the role of finance in contributing to revitalizing the regional economy and balanced national development."