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(Seoul=Yonhap Infomax) Yong Bi Yang –
South Korea’s Hanyang Securities Co. is making notable strides in the global investment banking (IB) arena, leveraging agility and flexibility to expand its footprint in niche markets typically overlooked by larger players. At the center of this push is Noh Hyung-seok, Executive Director of the Global IB Division, who joined the firm in March and has already delivered a string of successful deals within just six months of organizational restructuring.
Among the key transactions led by Noh are an €85 million loan to Nexen Tire’s Czech subsidiary, a KRW 250 billion ($182 million) syndicated loan agency mandate for Hanwha Ocean, a $70 million loan arrangement for Hyundai Steel, and a KRW 50 billion ($36 million) advisory for Daishin F&I. These achievements underscore Hanyang Securities’ ability to execute complex cross-border deals despite its relatively small size compared to major IB houses.
Noh attributes this rapid success to “a bit of luck,” but emphasizes that it is the result of persistent, genuine relationship-building and tireless effort, regardless of immediate deal prospects. “The groundwork laid through authentic networking and experience across multiple institutions has been the foundation for our current results,” he said.
Global IB Talent: From Busan to Hanyang
Noh’s career spans global banks such as HSBC, Crédit Agricole CIB, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and China Construction Bank (CCB), where he handled IB and banking operations since 2008. He also managed Export Credit Agency (ECA) finance in collaboration with the Export-Import Bank of Korea and Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, before seeking broader financial experience beyond the confines of traditional banking. This led him to BNK Securities, recognizing the unique strengths of Korean securities firms—deep client relationships, swift decision-making, and strong field presence.
“Korean securities firms have a distinct edge in sales capabilities compared to overseas financial institutions,” Noh explained. “I joined Hanyang Securities in March because of its full support for global IB initiatives.”
“Authenticity and Tenacity Drive Deals”
Noh credits the division’s impressive performance in just six months to a philosophy rooted in authenticity and tenacity. “IB deals are fraught with variables and twists from sourcing to execution. The networks and experience I built with sincerity at previous institutions have been the bedrock for our achievements,” he said. “I always try to help others sincerely, regardless of whether a deal is imminent. Over time, this authenticity has yielded positive outcomes.”
Another competitive edge is sheer perseverance. As a mid-sized player, Hanyang Securities compensates for its smaller team by maximizing manpower and working three to four times harder than larger firms, Noh noted. “We work tirelessly, weekdays and weekends alike,” he emphasized.
“Did Hanyang Securities Really Do This Deal?”—Differentiation Through Niche IB Markets
To offset the limitations of scale, Noh has adopted a strategy of targeting niche IB markets—sourcing overseas deals and executing complex transactions that are often out of reach for Korean institutions. “For example, we could pursue mezzanine deals with US-listed companies unrelated to Korean content, equity sales in Thai listed firms, ship financing in Southeast Asia, or investments in Vietnamese startups,” he said. “Leveraging our global network, we will focus on sourcing overseas deals that are difficult for Korean institutions to access.”
“When people react with surprise—‘How did Hanyang Securities pull off this deal?’—that’s when we know our niche market strategy is working,” Noh added. “We will pursue deals regardless of origin, whether sourcing Korean deals for overseas investors or vice versa.”
Accelerating Capital Product Expansion—A Vanguard for Global IB Growth
With the globalization of financial markets now a given, Hanyang Securities is actively seeking roles as a market player beyond Korea. The firm is also exploring the evolving role of finance in rapidly changing industrial ecosystems. “While Korea remains strong in traditional manufacturing, we are also monitoring growth sectors such as eco-friendly data centers,” Noh said. “Aircraft and ship financing have also emerged post-pandemic, prompting us to strengthen global monitoring.”
Noh plans to expand capital products beyond traditional corporate deals to include financial institutions, aircraft and ship financing, and mezzanine products. “I hope to contribute to Hanyang Securities’ emergence as a globally recognized IB house,” he said. “Even if companies or institutions seeking funding are not ready to work with us immediately, I encourage them to start a conversation.”
ybyang@yna.co.kr
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