In 2025, the global operating environment was shaped by heightened geopolitical tensions as well as continued uncertainty in monetary policies. Despite these headwinds, IBK remained committed to its core mission as a policy bank and delivered resilient performance.
Our SME loan balance surpassed KRW 260 trillion, while total assets exceeded KRW 500 trillion. Our SME loan market share also reached a record high, further reinforcing our position as Korea's leading SME bank. Over the past three years, we supplied KRW 2.7 trillion in venture capital to innovative venture firms, contributing to diversification of our revenue base. In 2025, consolidated net income reached KRW 2.7 trillion.
However, the operating environment remains uncertain. Market volatility, shifting trade conditions, and persistent low-growth conditions continue to weigh on SMEs. In response, IBK will mobilize its full capabilities to advance "IBK Productive Finance" and strengthen the foundation for sustainable growth. To this end, we will focus on the following strategic priorities.
First, we will expand "IBK Productive Finance" to foster shared growth for both SMEs and IBK.
We will continue to provide stable funding to SMEs and microbusinesses, while increasing our focus on future value creators. We will also expand support for advanced and innovative industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semi-conductors, as well as national strategic industries. By enhancing credit assessment frameworks based on technological capabilities and future growth potential, we will effectively identify and seize high-potential companies. In addition, we will provide tailored financial solutions across the corporate lifecycle from startups to growth-stage and mature companies, thereby strengthening our earnings foundation while advancing "IBK Productive Finance."
Second, we will accelerate AI transformation to strengthen our digital competitiveness.
We will continue to enhance digital financial services to deliver hyper-personalized solutions for our customers. By integrating proprietary corporate banking data accumulated through long-standing SME relationships with AI, we are strengthening our digital capabilities in customer acquisition, credit assessment, and asset quality management. We will also introduce digital asset models in phases, enabling us to improve decision-making by deploying AI in key business areas. These efforts will further enhance our foundation for sustainable long-term growth.
Lastly, we will strive to become the most trusted bank, grounded in robust financial consumer protection.
We recognize that trust is the foundation of financial competitiveness. Accordingly we will continue to strengthen our consumer protection, information security, and internal controls, while proactively identifying and managing both existing and emerging risks. We remain committed to operating with transparency and strive to operate as a trusted bank.
As both a policy bank and a listed company, IBK has consistently balanced its public mandate with commercial sustainability, supporting SME growth while enhancing shareholder value.
In 2026, we expect continued challenges both domestically and globally. We will stand firm in times of uncertainty and remain prudent in times of growth—working closely with our customers and shareholders to deliver resilient performance and sustainable value creation.
We sincerely appreciate your support and interest, and we wish you and your families good health and happiness.
- Chang Min-young
- Chairman & CEO
Industrial Bank of Korea
