The Korea Times · 18 Sep, 08:07 · Finance briefing

Hanwha deepens ties with Abu Dhabi in digital finance

Hanwha, a major South Korean conglomerate, has strengthened its partnership with Abu Dhabi’s public investment entity, Mubadala, to expand their joint venture in digital finance.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

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Hanwha, a major South Korean conglomerate, has strengthened its partnership with Abu Dhabi’s public investment entity, Mubadala, to expand their joint venture in digital finance. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of advanced financial technologies and expand their market presence in the Middle East. This strategic move underscores a growing trend of cross-border alliances between Asian tech giants and Gulf state sovereign wealth funds. The initiative focuses on leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions to enhance financial services, reflecting both entities’ commitment to innovation and regional economic diversification through technology-driven financial infrastructure.

Employer demand for AI in Banking skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This alliance signals a surge in demand for professionals who bridge Asian and Middle Eastern financial markets. You should focus on developing expertise in cross-border regulatory compliance and digital payment systems. If you work in fintech, prioritise skills in AI-driven risk assessment and blockchain integration. Professionals in project management must understand the nuances of international joint ventures. A smart move is to upskill in Cloud Computing and Cyber Security, as these partnerships rely heavily on secure, scalable infrastructure. Additionally, gaining fluency in regional financial regulations will make you indispensable. Monitor developments in Dubai and Seoul for emerging roles in digital asset management and strategic partnership coordination.

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