Korea

Union claims KEB board directors' collaboration with Hana was illegal.

Acquisition of savings banks would help major lenders seen to delay potential systemic risk through diversification.

China and Vietnam were the most popular host countries of the branches that Kookmin Bank, Hana Bank and the Industrial Bank will open.

Appointments aimed to improve the stability and efficiency of the bank organization and strengthen its marketing.

The government admits KDB privatisation is more difficult task than the Woori’s.

Unfavourable market conditions and the loss of 2 potential candidates seen to further the sale delay.

The Korean group seeks to diversify and strengthen its business portfolio by setting up investment banking.

Hana woos financial assistance from China Investment Corp., China Merchants Bank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.

The group’s spinning-off of its credit card unit aimed to improve competitiveness of its flagship banking unit.

Employees fear Hana Bank’s lower profit compared to KEB may spread to the latter.

The Chinese bank is also in negotiations with KB Financial Group for a stock swap.

Six companies submitted letters of intent to the South Korean government to buy Woori’s 57% stake.

Moody’s placed all Hana Bank ratings on review for possible downgrade while eyeing Korea Exchange Bank’s debt and deposit ratings for possible upgrade.

4,000 employees are expected to join to protest Hana’s takeover as it conducted due diligence on KEB.

The Chinese lender will become the first Chinese company to bid for a South Korean financial firm if it joins the race.

Prompted by a sharp spike in Woori Bank's problem assets during the third quarter 2010, its asset quality and capital were re-evaluated prior to Moody's affirmation.