What is Customer Demographics and Target Market of Industrial Bank of Korea Company?

IBK's commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises is significant. In 2024, its SME loan portfolio reached a substantial KRW 247.2 trillion, capturing a market share of 23.65%. This trend continued into 2025, with SME loans comprising 82.2% of the total portfolio and maintaining a 23.7% market share in this crucial segment.

Beyond general SME support, IBK actively assists self-employed business owners by providing substantial loans to ease their financial burdens. The bank also facilitates growth for innovative SMEs and mid-sized companies, as demonstrated by its KRW 1 trillion in loans provided in May 2025 for 'build a growth ladder' initiatives.

While IBK's core strength lies in its business clientele, it also serves individual consumers through its retail banking and wealth management divisions. These segments contribute to the bank's overall customer base, though the strategic and revenue focus remains firmly on its B2B operations.

IBK consistently reinforces its role as a policy bank, which underpins its market dominance in the SME sector. This strategic alignment is driven by its fundamental mission to foster Korea's economic development by supporting vital enterprises and acting as a market stabilizer for SMEs and microbusiness owners.

In South Korea, the bank holds a significant market share, evidenced by its outstanding balance of SME loans reaching KRW 247.2 trillion in 2024, representing a 23.65% market share. This strong domestic presence is bolstered by its state-owned status and its policy-driven mission to support the national economy.

Beyond its home market, the bank is actively expanding its global footprint to assist Korean SMEs venturing abroad. As of April 2023, it operated 59 branches across 12 countries, with a notable concentration in Southeast Asia.

The bank has established 39 branches in six Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia, India, the Philippines, and Indonesia. IBK aims to significantly increase its overseas profits, targeting 250 billion won from global business by 2025, a substantial rise from 126 billion won in 2022.

Recent strategic moves include obtaining approval to establish a subsidiary in Poland, a pioneering step for a Korean bank, and plans for a similar venture in Vietnam. These initiatives are part of its broader strategy to extend its 'IBK Financial Belt' internationally, aligning with its Growth Strategy of Industrial Bank of Korea.

IBK actively acquires customers by providing significant financial backing to SMEs. In 2024, the bank extended a record KRW 74 trillion in SME loans. Further bolstering this, a KRW 1 trillion loan scheme was announced in May 2025 to support innovative SMEs and mid-sized companies, acting as a growth catalyst.

Customer retention is strengthened by maintaining dominance in the SME market. IBK offers extended loan supply to businesses facing liquidity challenges and provides non-financial assistance to vulnerable companies and microbusinesses. Customized support for high-potential SMEs with advanced technology aims to nurture them into global entities.

Digital platforms are central to both acquiring new clients and retaining existing ones. IBK is enhancing its digital banking services, acknowledging that approximately 75% of online purchases in South Korea occur via mobile devices. This focus on seamless digital experiences drives adoption and improves efficiency.

While explicit loyalty programs are not heavily publicized, IBK fosters loyalty through consistent, tailored financial products and advisory services. The bank's commitment to 'value-creating finance' emphasizes long-term partnerships and mutual growth for customers, the bank, and society.