Abu dhabi: Hanwha Finance is expanding its cooperation with Abu Dhabi's financial ecosystem, strengthening connections between the Republic of Korea and Abu Dhabi through its 'Digital Asset Silk Road' vision, a concept aimed at connecting financial markets and institutions on both sides and enhancing cooperation in digital assets and financial services.
According to Emirates News Agency, Hanwha Life, Hanwha General Insurance, Hanwha Investment and Securities, and Hanwha Asset Management, collectively known as Hanwha Finance, announced expanded cooperation with Abu Dhabi's financial ecosystem. This follows the signing of partnerships with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, at the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum Seoul (ADIF Seoul).
The forum was attended by notable figures including Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Department of Community Development and Second Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber; 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. From the Korean side, participants included Hyek Woong Kwon, Vice Chairman and CEO of Hanwha Life; Dong Wook (Don) Kim, Chief Global Business Officer of Hanwha Life; Dongjun Im, CEO of Hanwha Asset Management; and Seungpill Baik, Head of Digital Innovation at Hanwha Asset Management.
Hanwha Life signed a partnership with ADIO to strengthen cooperation in digital finance. The partnership focuses on three key areas: establishing a digital asset ecosystem, strengthening connections between the financial and capital markets of the Republic of Korea and Abu Dhabi, and advancing digital banking and financial innovation. Additionally, the parties plan to explore potential business opportunities in digital assets, including the tokenisation of real-world assets into tradable digital assets.
Hanwha Asset Management, ADGM, and Hana Financial Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore cooperation on stablecoins and cross-border financial infrastructure. This includes identifying opportunities across digital asset and payment infrastructure, such as cross-border payment and remittance solutions between the Republic of 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, scheduled to take place in the UAE capital in December. Through these partnerships, Hanwha Finance aims to broaden the financial network it began building with Abu Dhabi through Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025 and strengthen its ties with financial markets across the Middle East.
Fatima Al Hammadi, Head of the FIDA Cluster at ADIO, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating, 'The Republic of Korea is an important partner for Abu Dhabi, with strong capabilities across financial services, technology, and innovation. 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.'
Rashed Al Blooshi, CEO of the Registration Authority at ADGM, commented on the advantages of the growing economic relationship between the UAE and the Republic of Korea, noting the significant opportunities it creates for Korean companies and investors. He emphasized ADGM's role as a world-class platform that offers businesses access to Abu Dhabi's financial ecosystem and a business-friendly environment.
Hyek Woong Kwon, Vice Chairman and CEO of Hanwha Life, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that it will turn cooperation with Abu Dhabi's financial ecosystem into tangible business opportunities and strengthen Hanwha Life's foundations for growth as a leading global financial institution. Dongjun Im, CEO of Hanwha Asset Management, added that the partnership aims to build a stable digital asset ecosystem while enhancing competitiveness in the global digital finance sector.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF), led by ADIO, is designed to showcase Abu Dhabi's investment environment and future growth sectors to international markets, identifying opportunities for long-term investment and business partnerships with major companies and investors. The event brought together leading companies and investment representatives from the Republic of Korea and Abu Dhabi to discuss new investment and business opportunities between the two markets.