Asset Managers' Profits Surge Amid ETF Market Expansion
In the first half of this year, major asset management firms saw their operating profits rise significantly, in line with the burgeoning ETF market size. According to the Financial Investment Association, the combined operating profit of the top eight asset managers increased by 31.9% year-on-year to reach 374.2 billion won. Notably, KB Asset Management's operating profit surged 129.1% compared to the previous year to 98.8 billion won, buoyed by the sale of KDB Life Tower. Mirae Asset Management and Samsung Asset Management also posted impressive results, with operating profits of 88.4 billion won and 58.4 billion won, respectively, bolstered by strategic branding and diverse product offerings. On the other hand, Hanwha Asset Management experienced a slight decline in operating profit, reflecting a mixed performance.
Interestingly, KB Asset Management succeeded in markedly increasing its operating profit by 2025 H1, reclaiming the third position in the market. The firm overtook Korea Investment Trust Management Company in the ETF market, expanding its market share and gaining recognition. The increase in revenue from ETF and investment trust management fees contributed substantially, and one-time gains from the clearance of real estate funds further bolstered the results. Under the leadership of CEO Young-sung Kim, the company has been expanding fund assets and improving profitability while continuing efforts to maintain its market share in ETFs.
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