Hanwha Finance expands financial cooperation with Abu Dhabi
Hanwha Finance is enhancing its integration within Abu Dhabi’s financial landscape, reinforcing ties between Korea and Abu Dhabi through its ‘Digital Asset Silk Road’ initiative.
On September 17, Hanwha Life, Hanwha General Insurance, Hanwha Investment & Securities, and Hanwha Asset Management—collectively known as Hanwha Finance—announced an expanded collaboration with Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem following the signing of partnerships with both the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) on September 16. This significant event took place during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum Seoul (ADIF Seoul) at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul.
The forum was attended by key figures including 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 several dignitaries from Abu Dhabi, including H.E. Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, and H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO.
Through a newly established partnership with ADIO, Hanwha Life aims to bolster collaboration in the digital finance sector, focusing on three primary areas: the creation of a digital asset ecosystem, enhancing connectivity between the financial and capital markets of Korea and Abu Dhabi, and promoting advancements in digital banking and financial innovation. Notably, the partnership will investigate business opportunities in digital assets, including the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA).
Moreover, Hanwha Asset Management, in conjunction with ADGM and Hana Financial Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at facilitating cooperation in stablecoins and cross-border financial infrastructure. The involved parties will delve into opportunities in digital asset payment infrastructure, which includes fostering cross-border payment and remittance solutions between Korea and Abu Dhabi while advocating for a sustainable and interoperable digital asset ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Hanwha Finance has also collaborated with ADGM for the Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2026, scheduled to occur in December in the UAE capital.
These partnerships signify a continuation of Hanwha Finance’s efforts to expand its financial network with Abu Dhabi, building upon the groundwork laid during ADFW 2025, and enhancing links with financial markets across the Middle East.
Fatima Al Hammadi, Head of the Fintech, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Investments (FIDA) Cluster at ADIO, remarked, “The Republic of Korea is an important partner for Abu Dhabi, showcasing strong capabilities across financial services, technology, and innovation. Through our partnership with Hanwha, we anticipate opportunities in digital finance and financial innovation, reinforcing connections between Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem and key international markets.”
H.E. Rashed Al Blooshi, CEO of the Registration Authority at ADGM, highlighted the significance of the growing economic relationship, stating, “This development creates substantial opportunities for Korean companies and investors aiming to establish and expand in Abu Dhabi and the vicinity.”
He continued, “As Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, ADGM offers a premier platform to access the emirate’s considerable capital reserves and an expanding financial ecosystem while providing a supportive business environment reinforced by forward-thinking regulations and efficient setup processes.”
Hyek Woong Kwon expressed optimism regarding these agreements, stating, “We will convert our collaboration with Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem into tangible business opportunities, solidifying Hanwha Life’s position as a leading global financial institution.” Meanwhile, Dongjun Im assured that they would contribute to a stable and interoperable digital asset ecosystem while enhancing competitiveness in the global digital finance landscape.
ADIF serves as an investment forum spearheaded by ADIO, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s investment climate and growth sectors to international audiences, while also identifying long-term investment opportunities. The event gathered leading companies and investment representatives from Korea and Abu Dhabi to discuss emerging investment opportunities between these two markets.
