1. What Happened?
OK Savings Bank sold 3,230,338 shares of iM Financial Group to OK Capital in an after-hours trade on July 8, 2025, increasing its total stake, including related parties, from 9.55% to 9.92%.
2. Why the Stake Increase?
This stake increase is interpreted as a move to strengthen management control and create synergy within the group, potentially paving the way for iM Financial Group to obtain a banking license. The major shareholder’s strong commitment is expected to be a springboard for aggressive business expansion and market share growth. Efforts to enhance shareholder value, such as treasury stock cancellation/acquisition, are also positive signs.
3. What’s Next?
While there is a possibility of a short-term stock price increase, the impact may be limited given the internal nature of the transaction. In the long term, positive effects are expected, including progress towards obtaining a banking license, strengthening the business portfolio, and increasing profitability. However, potential risk factors include global/domestic economic uncertainties, possible sluggish profitability of some subsidiaries, and the high volume of bonds and hybrid capital securities issued. Changes in macroeconomic indicators, such as the USD/KRW exchange rate and interest rates, could also affect iM Financial Group’s foreign exchange derivatives trading and NIM.
4. What Should Investors Do?
Investors should develop an investment strategy that considers iM Financial Group’s progress towards obtaining a banking license, its performance, and changes in the domestic and international economic environment. Rather than simply reacting to news of stake changes, investors should carefully analyze the company’s fundamentals and growth potential.