Korea Exchange Bank president & CEO Yun Yong-ro unveiled his business policy direction to bolster the bank’s global sectors.

In his inaugural speech at the bank’s headquarters in Seoul on Wednesday, Yun said KEB should restore its traditional competitiveness in foreign currency trading and overseas operations.

“(Unlike past years), many experts in the market do not think KEB is grabbing the dominant position in sectors like foreign exchange and overseas business,” he told the staff.

He said the weakening competitiveness in the bank’s original core sectors could negatively affect the securing of healthy customers.

The new CEO also pledged that he will carry out fair personnel policies and push for enhancing corporate structure.

“Via sincere competition between Hana Bank and (its affiliate) KEB, Hana Financial Group will be able to attain profitability and competitiveness,” he said.

The 57-year-old CEO formerly served as CEO of the state-run Industrial Bank of Korea. He had also worked as vice chairman of the Financial Services Commission and chief of the Securities & Futures Commission, an arm of the FSC.

Yun is a long-time veteran in finance, beginning his career at the Finance Ministry after passing the High Civil Service Examination in the 1970s.

Last month, the FSC endorsed the deal between Hana Financial Group and U.S.-based Lone Star Funds to trade shares of KEB.

By Kim Yon-se (kys@heraldcorp.com)