Chairman Yoon Jong-kyoo delivers his New Year’s message in a non-face-to-face ceremony to kick off the New Year at the KB Financial Group on Jan. 4. (Photo: KB Financial Group)

The KB Financial Group, led by chairman Yoon Jong-kyoo, held a non-face-to-face ceremony to kick off the New Year on Jan. 4.

“We have to build KB Financial Group into a top-tier financial platform group loved by customers, based on its core capabilities by recognizing that we can discover and seize opportunities in the era of change,” chairman Yoon said in his New Year’s address. The event aired via YouTube.

Yoon declared “RENEW 2021” as KB Financial Group’s management strategy keyword for 2021. RENEW 2021 is an acronym for Reinforce the Core, Expansion of Global & New Biz, No. 1 Platform, ESG Leadership and World-Class Talents & Culture.

Yoon vowed to promote carbon neutrality by making KB Financial Group an active member of the global environmental protection campaign “RE 100” and take the lead in social change.

He also promised future value creation through the continuous implementation of ESG management.

“The KB Financial Group always gives top priority to customers,” Yoon stressed. “Let’s make concerted efforts to make the KB Financial Group abide by basics and principles with an open mind.”

“We need to strengthen the group’s core competitiveness to enhance its affiliates’ market positions and set up efficient business models,” Yoon said with respect to “Reinforce the Core.”

“KB Kookmin Bank has to become the solid number one player in the banking industry, and major KB affiliates must secure unrivaled competitiveness as top-tier players in their business sectors,” Yoon added.

“All of KB affiliates need to redefine their roles and elevate their market positions through balanced portfolios. They ought to expand their revenue generation bases and secure differentiated competitive edges by strengthening core business models by business areas.

“Second, we need to expand our global business area and strengthen our non-financial business to secure new growth engines for the group,” Yoon said about “Expansion of Global & New Biz.”

“We should expand the proportion of profits in the global business sector through a speedy two-track strategy in Southeast Asian markets and advanced markets.”

In addition, the KB Financial Group will strengthen its non-financial business through the growth of non-financial platforms for automobiles, real estate, healthcare, and telecommunications.

The financial group will also seek opportunities to enter new areas in the capital market in order to expand its AI-based investment.

The third point is about “No.1 Platform.”

“We need to create the number one financial platform by way of customer-centered digital innovation,” Yoon said.

Therefore, the KB Financial Group’s flagship financial apps will serve as specialized comprehensive financial platforms through customer-centric digital innovation.

The group will offer comprehensive financial solutions differentiated from those from tech giants and personalized products and services based on AI and machine learning technologies.

“Fourth, we need to establish a sustainable management system through the spread and internalization of ESG management,” Yoon said, bringing up the importance of ESG Leadership.

“Through ESG management, we should create sustainable social value and strengthen our responsibilities and roles as a leading ESG company. By doing so, the KB Financial Group will be able to take the lead in making social changes and creating future value.”

Moreover, the KB Financial Group will fuel sustainable growth by upgrading its risk management system.

“Fifth, we need to nurture the best talent and create an open and creative organizational culture by making upskilling and reskilling efforts,” Yoon said with reference to “World-Class Talents & Culture.”

 “We will expand the proportion of people in the digital sector, and train people in our core growth sectors such as IB and the capital market through upskilling and reskilling.”

Yoon asked employees not to stop making efforts to reach their goals and realize their dreams in 2021. “I suggest not being complacent with our current positions and situations,” Yoon said.

“Let’s spearhead the 2021 RENEW campaign with a strong determination while boldly breaking away from existing familiar practices, customs and inertia.”

Yoon wished employees and their families good health and lasting happiness.

“The COVID-19 infections continue to rise at home and abroad these days,” Yoon said. “Please pay special attention to your health and your families’ health and help and consider one another. I hope that this year will be a meaningful and happy year for all of you and your families.