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Abu Dhabi and leading South Korean financial institutions are collaborating on stablecoins, cross-border digital payments, and tokenised assets, as per new agreements unveiled during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Seoul. Hanwha Finance has entered into partnerships with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and ADGM, following a series of agreements signed during the forum.

Hanwha Life signed a pact with ADIO, which covers digital assets, capital markets, digital banking, and financial technology. The two parties will also explore potential business opportunities involving the tokenisation of real-world assets, a process that represents assets digitally on a blockchain.

In a separate accord, Hanwha Asset Management, ADGM, and Hana Financial Group are set to examine cooperation on stablecoins and cross-border financial infrastructure. This could encompass payment and remittance solutions between South Korea and Abu Dhabi, as well as the broader digital asset infrastructure. Fatima Al Hammadi, Head of the Fintech, Insurance, Digital, and Alternative Investments Cluster at ADIO, expressed optimism about the partnership with South Korea.

She said, "Through our partnership with Hanwha, we anticipate exploring opportunities across digital finance, digital assets, and financial innovation."

ADIO's initiatives to broaden the trading of tokenised assets were also highlighted. Stablecoins, a type of digital asset engineered to maintain a stable value, often by being tethered to a currency or another asset, were the focus of the agreements. Fatima Al Hammadi noted that South Korea is a key partner for Abu Dhabi in financial services and technology.

Rashed Al Blooshi, CEO of the Registration Authority at ADGM, emphasized the growing economic ties between the UAE and South Korea. He said, "These partnerships create opportunities for Korean companies seeking to expand into Abu Dhabi and the broader region. We look forward to strengthening our connections with the Korean business and investment community and supporting more Korean companies as they establish, scale, and pursue opportunities from Abu Dhabi into regional and global markets."

The latest agreements build upon financial links cultivated during Abu Dhabi Finance Week in 2025 and will further bolster cooperation between South Korea and the Middle East.