Hana Financial Group has indicated that it entered into a new partnership with Dunamu, the operator behind one of Korea’s largest crypto exchanges, with the goal of jointly developing blockchain-based financial services. The agreement, announced on Thursday, reflects Hana’s effort to secure long-term digital growth opportunities as global payment infrastructure rapidly modernizes.
According to the group, the collaboration is expected to combine Dunamu’s blockchain expertise with Hana’s international scale to roll out new digital-finance products more quickly. One of the first major initiatives centers on building a blockchain-powered overseas remittance system designed to enhance the speed, transparency, and security of cross-border payments for both individuals and businesses.
Hana explained that the envisioned remittance model will rely on account data stored on a blockchain ledger, enabling a more streamlined process than traditional settlement methods. The refined approach is anticipated to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with foreign transfers, especially for companies processing import-export transactions.
New Remittance System Set for Early Launch
Hana Bank is reportedly preparing to launch the new system as early as the first quarter of next year. Initial deployment will focus on transfers between the bank’s Seoul headquarters and its global branches and subsidiaries. The institution plans to gradually expand the platform once internal tests are completed and regulatory developments are assessed.
Beyond remittance services, the agreement outlines plans for the two companies to integrate additional blockchain-based capabilities into Hana’s wider foreign-exchange business. Improvements are also expected for Hana Money, the financial group’s membership and rewards platform, signaling the intention to extend blockchain utility across multiple customer-facing channels.
A senior Hana executive, Vice Chairman Lee Eun-hyung, conveyed through a company statement that blockchain technology is believed to be approaching a stage of broad commercialization. Lee also indicated that the advancement of stablecoin legislation is placing the financial sector at a turning point, opening the door for the next wave of innovation.
Legislative Tailwinds Strengthen Blockchain Prospects
Korean lawmakers have been accelerating efforts to finalize a regulatory framework for stablecoins pegged to the local currency. Legislators recently notified the government that a draft bill is expected by next Wednesday, signaling potential regulatory clarity for financial institutions seeking to adopt stablecoin-based services.
Dunamu CEO Oh Kyoung-suk has suggested that mainstream stablecoin adoption could serve as a catalyst for wider blockchain infrastructure development—from networks to digital wallets—ultimately supporting a broader shift in payments, investment services, and capital markets toward Web3-aligned models.
Executives from both organizations expressed the view that their shared vision positions them to uncover new opportunities and push past existing industry boundaries through advanced digital technology.
Broader Digital Push Underway
The agreement follows Hana Financial Group’s recent formation of a digital-asset task force and the establishment of coordinated systems across its banking, securities, and card units to support emerging digital-asset services. These efforts reflect the group’s intention to build a foundation for long-term participation in the expanding digital-finance ecosystem.
Separately, Dunamu has also signed a merger agreement with Naver Financial in a deal valued at roughly 15.1 trillion won, or about $10.1 billion. The transaction will make Dunamu a fully owned subsidiary upon completion, which is expected by mid-2026 pending shareholder approval and review by Korea’s antitrust regulator.
