Hanwha Finance is deepening its engagement with Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem as part of its broader “Digital Asset Silk Road” vision, aimed at strengthening financial links between the Republic of Korea and Abu Dhabi across digital assets, capital markets and financial services.
Hanwha Life, Hanwha General Insurance, Hanwha Investment & Securities and Hanwha Asset Management, which collectively operate under Hanwha Finance, announced new partnerships with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and ADGM, Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum Seoul.
The forum brought together senior government officials, financial executives and investment leaders from both Abu Dhabi and the Republic of Korea.
Among the Abu Dhabi representatives were 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 ADIO; and Fatima Al Hammadi, Head of the Fintech, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Investments Cluster at ADIO.
The Korean delegation 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 and ADIO Target Digital Finance Opportunities
Hanwha Life signed a partnership agreement with ADIO focused on expanding cooperation in digital finance.
The collaboration will centre on three main areas: developing a digital asset ecosystem, strengthening links between the financial and capital markets of Abu Dhabi and the Republic of Korea, and advancing digital banking and financial innovation.
Both sides will also explore opportunities related to digital assets, including the tokenisation of real-world assets such as property and other investments into tradable digital instruments.
The initiative reflects growing interest among financial institutions in using blockchain-based infrastructure and tokenisation to improve access, efficiency and liquidity across investment markets.
Stablecoins and Cross-Border Payments in Focus
In a separate agreement, Hanwha Asset Management, ADGM and Hana Financial Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore cooperation in stablecoins and cross-border financial infrastructure.
The parties intend to assess opportunities in digital asset and payment systems, including cross-border payments and remittance solutions connecting the Republic of Korea and Abu Dhabi.
The partnership will also support efforts to develop a sustainable and interoperable digital asset ecosystem capable of connecting financial markets across jurisdictions.
Hanwha Finance has also partnered with ADGM for Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2026, which is scheduled to take place in the UAE capital in December.
The latest agreements build on Hanwha Finance’s engagement with Abu Dhabi during Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025 and are expected to further expand the company’s financial network across the Middle East.
Fatima Al Hammadi, Head of the FIDA Cluster at ADIO, said the Republic of Korea remains an important partner for Abu Dhabi, particularly in 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,” she said.
ADGM Sees Growing Opportunities for Korean Companies
Rashed Al Blooshi, CEO of the Registration Authority at ADGM, said the expanding economic relationship between the UAE and the Republic of Korea is creating new opportunities for Korean companies and investors seeking to establish and grow their businesses in Abu Dhabi and the wider region.
He said ADGM provides international companies with access to Abu Dhabi’s capital markets and financial ecosystem, supported by a business-focused regulatory environment and streamlined company establishment processes.
Al Blooshi added that ADGM aims to strengthen its relationship with the Korean business and investment community and support more Korean companies as they expand from Abu Dhabi into regional and international markets.
Hyek Woong Kwon, Vice Chairman and CEO of Hanwha Life, said the agreement is expected to help transform cooperation with Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem into practical business opportunities.
“Building on this partnership, we will further strengthen Hanwha Life’s foundations for growth as a leading global financial institution,” he said.
Dongjun Im, CEO of Hanwha Asset Management, said the company intends to contribute to the development of a stable and interoperable digital asset ecosystem while strengthening its position in the global digital finance sector.
Abu Dhabi Investment Forum Strengthens Korea-UAE Business Links
The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum is led by ADIO and is designed to promote Abu Dhabi’s investment environment and future growth sectors to international markets.
The forum also serves as a platform for identifying long-term investment opportunities and building partnerships with major global companies and investors.
Representatives from leading companies and investment institutions in both the Republic of Korea and Abu Dhabi attended the Seoul event, where discussions focused on new investment, financial and business opportunities between the two markets.
The expanded cooperation between Hanwha Finance, ADIO and ADGM highlights the growing role of digital finance, tokenisation and cross-border financial infrastructure in strengthening economic ties between Abu Dhabi and the Republic of Korea.
