Hanwha Investment & Securities Acquires Stake in Japan’s GI Capital
The South Korean firm has signed an agreement to acquire a stake in GI Capital Management’s securities division, expanding its Asian network to Japan, with completion expected by mid-2027.
Entry into Japanese Market
Hanwha Investment & Securities has entered a share purchase agreement to acquire a stake in the securities division of Japan’s GI Capital Management, a comprehensive financial investment firm. The agreement was signed in Tokyo following a board resolution last month, with the acquisition anticipated to finalise by the first half of 2027, pending regulatory clearances.
While the exact percentage of the stake remains undisclosed, industry observers suggest Hanwha will likely secure a majority position, reflecting its past acquisition strategies in other Asian markets.
Strategic Expansion and Capital Base
This move marks an aggressive overseas expansion for Hanwha Investment & Securities, extending its Asian financial network from Southeast Asia to Japan. The expansion is supported by capital raised through a recent ₩500 billion (approximately $375.3 million) rights offering.
Hanwha Life and Hanwha Asset Management each subscribed for ₩250 billion, bolstering the firm's capital base to accelerate international investments. Previously, Hanwha acquired a 90.05% stake in Vietnam’s HFT Securities in 2019 and 80% stakes in Indonesia’s Ciptadana Securities and Ciptadana Asset Management.
Leveraging Local Expertise and Digital Growth
GI Capital Management, a Tokyo-headquartered independent securities firm, holds licences for securities brokerage, sales, investment advisory, and discretionary asset management. The firm has a strong focus on connecting global asset managers with Asian institutional investors.
Hanwha Investment & Securities plans to utilise GI Capital’s local talent and institutional network to identify new business opportunities in Japan, including developing digital new businesses. Jang Byeong-ho, CEO of Hanwha Investment & Securities, stated the aim is to strengthen traditional financial businesses and enhance global competitiveness through digital expansion.
Japan’s capital markets have seen structural changes and growth, driven by government initiatives to revitalise the stock market and improve capital efficiency. This has increased interest from foreign financial firms. Hanwha’s entry into Japan through GI Capital Management positions it to participate in this expanding market.
The key remaining step for the acquisition’s completion is securing approval from Japanese regulators, which will determine the final timeline for Hanwha’s full operational integration in the market.
This article is journalism, not investment advice; consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Market data is indicative, may be delayed, and should be verified with your broker or exchange before use.
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