iM Bank's next president is designated as Kang Jung-hoon... will accelerate digital innovation pace

iM Financial Group officially nominates Vice President of Business Planning, Kang Jung-hun, as the next President of its subsidiary, iM Bank. Previously, the current President, Hwang Byung-yu, indicated that he would focus on his role as Group Chairman, thereby accelerating the selection process for the successor.

On December 19, iM Financial Group held a recommendation committee for senior management candidates, deciding to promote Vice President Kang internally as the presidential candidate. It is expected that Kang will ultimately be appointed after procedures such as approval by the iM Bank Board of Directors and the Shareholders’ Meeting. This means that the candidate has essentially been finalized within the group.

This personnel decision stems from President Hwang Byung-yu’s previous dual roles as Group Chairman and President, though he has stated that he will focus on group operations in the future. Although Chairman Hwang has held both positions simultaneously, it appears that he has recognized the need for role separation amid changes in the financial market.

Candidate Kang Jung-hun is responsible for strategy and planning within the group and is said to have played a core role in formulating the long-term business direction of iM Financial Group. He has demonstrated notable ability in digital finance and organizational innovation, leading to expectations that he will be a key figure in the future strategic transformation of bank operations.

This personnel move is also interpreted as a measure by the financial industry to improve governance transparency and operational efficiency. The recent departure from the longstanding practice of one person holding multiple roles highlights a trend toward separating responsibilities and roles and strengthening professionalism.

Looking ahead, if candidate Kang Jung-hun is officially appointed as President, the strategic direction and pace of digital innovation at iM Bank are expected to accelerate. At the same time, at the group level, a more systematic business strategy is likely to be developed based on clear role separation between the Chairman and bank management.