[2020 Capital Investment Award] "Increased Volatility in the Securities Market, Balance and Consumer Protection Are the Top Principles"

Evaluation Comments = Jeong Sunseop, Chair of the Jury (Professor at Seoul National University School of Law)

Jung Soon-seop, Professor at Seoul National University School of Law

In the domestic securities market, which has experienced increased volatility this year due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), securities firms are focusing on strengthening their corporate finance (IB) capabilities, providing customized wealth management (WM), offering balanced research materials, and enhancing stability to prevent incomplete sales.

The judging panel selected the winners based on performance in the capital market, using official data submitted by securities companies and evaluation materials prepared by a working group composed of Asia Economy reporters. The comparison and analysis covered a total of seven categories: IB, WM, research, retirement pensions, financial consumer protection, domestic and international funds. The company with the highest score was chosen as the winner.

Mirae Asset Daewoo, honored with the grand prize, received the highest evaluations in each category. It was the first in the industry to surpass KRW 9 trillion in equity capital and currently holds KRW 9.5 trillion in equity capital. In the second quarter of this year, it recorded a net profit of KRW 304.1 billion, a 184% increase from the previous quarter, achieving the highest quarterly performance since the merger. It is expected to be the first in the industry to reach a pre-tax profit of KRW 1 trillion this year.

Korea Investment & Securities achieved excellent results in the IB sector. In particular, it is expected to achieve industry-leading performance in IPOs in terms of scale, number of deals, and fees. This year, it underwrote all three companies that attracted the most market attention in the IPO sector: SK Biopharm, Kakao Games, and Big Hit Entertainment.

Samsung Securities was selected as the winner in the WM sector, having become the first in the securities industry to surpass KRW 200 trillion in retail deposit assets in the second quarter of this year, and also the first to exceed KRW 14 trillion in non-face-to-face customer assets, demonstrating excellent WM capabilities. In the research sector, KB Securities received the top award for issuing the largest number of reports in the industry and providing balanced stock investment opinions. Notably, it received high praise for innovative services such as the customized investment information chatbot 'Rebot,' the research-dedicated website 'KB Research,' and launching the industry's first digital dictionary service in July.

In the retirement pension sector, Daishin Securities was selected for the defined benefit (DB) category, and NH Investment & Securities for the defined contribution (DC) category. They were highly praised for achieving stable long-term returns and securing competitiveness through thorough post-management services. Hana Financial Investment was recognized as the best securities firm in financial consumer protection for strengthening consumer protection by hosting the industry's first forum on financial consumer protection and independently appointing a Chief Consumer Officer (CCO).

In the fund sector, Mirae Asset Global Investments received the Best Fund Award in the domestic equity category for the excellent returns of its funds, while Samsung Asset Management was selected for the Best Fund Award in the overseas equity category. Samsung Asset Management's major overseas funds, including Samsung Korea TDF, Samsung U.S. Index, and Samsung Pictet Robotics Fund, were recognized for their stable performance and established status as representative funds in the industry.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.