Korean brokerages look abroad, court foreign investors for growth
Korean brokerages are stepping up their overseas expansion and efforts to attract foreign investors as they seek to reduce their dependence on domestic trading income and sustain profits, industry officials said Monday. Meritz Securities, the only one of Korea's 10 largest brokerages without an overseas presence, is reportedly preparing to establish its first foreign subsidiary in Hong Kong. The…
Korean brokerages are expanding their global reach and courting foreign investors in an effort to lessen their reliance on domestic trading revenue and maintain profitability, according to industry officials. Meritz Securities, the sole among Korea's ten largest brokerages without an overseas footprint, is reportedly on the verge of launching its inaugural foreign subsidiary in Hong Kong.
This unit will identify investment prospects in bonds and alternative assets, bolstering the firm's investment banking operations. Mirae Asset Securities and Toss Securities are also contemplating acquisitions of Japanese brokerages, where a revitalized equity market has attracted growing attention from international investors. NH Investment & Securities acquired approximately 32 percent of Choice Equity Broking, the securities division of India's Choice Group, on July 9, positioning the firm as the third Korean brokerage to enter the Indian market.
However, this deal is still awaiting regulatory clearance. As of 2025, 16 Korean securities firms operate a combined total of 93 overseas offices in 15 countries, according to industry officials.
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- Korean brokerages look abroad, court foreign investors for growth koreatimes.co.kr
