How Does DGB Financial Group Company Work?

The core banking segment, primarily through iM Bank, gathers funds from public deposits. These funds are then utilized to provide both short-term and long-term loans to individuals and corporations. In 2024, the bank saw its total loans in won increase by 6% year-on-year, with household loans growing by 7.4% and corporate loans by 4.4%.

The Financial Investment segment is active in investment trading, brokerage, discretionary investment, and advisory services. Concurrently, Specialized Credit Finance focuses on areas such as facility rentals, installment finance, and financing for new technology ventures.

The Asset Management segment manages securities investment trusts and offers investment advice. The Financial Holding segment provides essential financial support and oversees the business management of all group subsidiaries.

iM Financial Group's distinctiveness stems from its deep regional roots in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, coupled with an ambitious nationwide expansion strategy initiated after iM Bank's transition in May 2024. This localized strength, combined with a growing international presence in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, forms the basis of its hybrid financial group model and digital transformation efforts.

A major milestone was the rebranding to iM Financial Group on March 26, 2025, aligning with iM Bank's transition to a nationwide operator in May 2024. This rebranding is crucial for future growth and enhanced market presence.

The group is actively enhancing shareholder value through a cash dividend of 500 won per common share for 2024. Additionally, a substantial stock buyback plan of approximately 60 billion won is in place, including treasury share cancellation and a further buyback in early 2025.

The company faced challenges including increased loan loss provisions for real estate project financing and a significant operating loss of 158.8 billion won at iM Securities in 2024. Management is focused on stabilizing profitability, especially at iM Securities, to regain market confidence.

iM Financial Group's competitive edge lies in its strong regional foundation and deep market understanding, now being leveraged for nationwide expansion. Its diversified portfolio spans banking, securities, asset management, and insurance, creating a comprehensive financial ecosystem.

DGB Financial Group is a key player in South Korea's financial industry, with a strong foundation in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions. Its nationwide expansion is bolstered by iM Bank's recent shift to a commercial bank status in May 2024, positioning it to compete more broadly within the financial landscape.

The group navigates risks including economic uncertainty, fluctuating interest rates, and geopolitical factors impacting market volatility and credit risk. Challenges in 2024 included increased loan loss provisions for real estate project financing and an operating loss at iM Securities, alongside the need for enhanced financial reporting following a disclaimer of opinion on its 2024 statements.

DGB Financial Group is strategically focused on improving its CET1 ratio to 12.3% by 2027 and achieving a 40% overall shareholder return. The group plans selective growth, managing risk-weighted assets with a 4% annual growth rate, and prioritizing high-return assets, with a key objective being the recovery of profitability at iM Securities.

Future growth is driven by digital transformation, aiming to be the leading hybrid financial group accessible through digital channels. Expansion also includes the overseas asset management business and leveraging domestic and international networks for strategic investments and mergers.