[CEONEWS = Reporter Choi Jae-hyuk] As the Korea Securities Depository (KSD) marks its 50th anniversary, it is an opportune moment to reflect on its journey and envision the road ahead. Under the theme "50 Years of Challenges, Leap Toward 100 Years," KSD’s recent commemorative ceremony encapsulated its significant contributions and ambitious goals for the future.
A Leader with Vision and Experience
Lee Soon-ho, President of KSD, has been instrumental in steering the organization toward greater stability and efficiency in Korea’s financial market. A graduate of Seoul National University with a degree in economics and an MBA from Harvard University, Lee brings over three decades of expertise in the financial sector. His leadership is defined by a clear focus on customer-centric services and digital innovation.
Lee’s philosophy is rooted in leveraging cutting-edge technologies, such as blockchain, to enhance the safety and efficiency of depository and settlement systems. "Our goal is to achieve financial service innovation tailored to the digital era," he emphasized. His vision is a testament to the organization’s commitment to advancing financial market infrastructure.
Celebrating 50 Years of Trust
The 50th-anniversary celebration at the Busan Port International Exhibition and Convention Center (BPEX) served as a platform to honor KSD’s legacy and articulate its aspirations for the future. In his commemorative address, President Lee highlighted the organization’s evolution—from managing 12 listed securities in 1974 to becoming one of Asia’s most prominent depositories, safeguarding assets worth 7,000 trillion won.
Lee’s rallying cry for the future—"Yejo Sakbi," a phrase symbolizing continuous effort akin to a bird’s relentless flapping of wings—encapsulates the determination to establish global standards and maintain flexibility in navigating technological advancements.
Milestones in Government Bond Market Development
KSD’s Integrated Government Bond Account, launched in June 2024, is another feather in its cap. Achieving a balance of 1 trillion won within three months of its inception, the system has garnered significant interest from foreign investors. This milestone underscores KSD’s role in enhancing Korea’s competitiveness in the global financial market.
The account’s swift success reflects years of meticulous preparation and collaboration with international entities such as Euroclear Bank and Clearstream Banking. KSD’s proactive outreach to over 100 global investment institutions and 180 working-level meetings with international central securities depositories have set a benchmark for fostering global partnerships.
Rediscovering Hidden Wealth
KSD’s commitment to empowering shareholders is evident in its annual "Unclaimed Shares Recovery Campaign." This year, the campaign facilitated the recovery of unclaimed assets worth over 1 trillion won—a remarkable achievement that has directly benefited shareholders and bolstered the economy.
Heartwarming stories, such as one Seoul resident’s discovery of 100 million won in forgotten shares and dividends, highlight the campaign’s impact. The initiative underscores the importance of safeguarding shareholder rights and ensuring the recovery of hidden assets.
The Road Ahead
KSD’s journey over the past five decades is a testament to its unwavering dedication to innovation and customer trust. As it looks toward the future, the organization is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable financial ecosystem. From expanding digital infrastructure to championing the integration of Korea’s government bonds into the World Government Bond Index, KSD’s ambitions align with global financial trends.
President Lee’s leadership, coupled with KSD’s innovative initiatives, is setting the stage for a brighter future in Korea’s financial industry. As the organization leaps toward its centennial milestone, its focus on trust, innovation, and global competitiveness will undoubtedly pave the way for enduring success.
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