Shinhan Financial Group has emerged as South Korea’s most valuable banking brand, according to a report by brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance.
The report noted that nine South Korean banking brands together are valued at $31.8b, marking a 19% increase from the previous year.
Shinhan Financial Group’s brand value surged 39% year-on-year to $8.8b, allowing it to climb eight places to 54th globally. Its Brand Strength Index score also improved significantly to 84.4 out of 100, the report added.
KB Financial Group ranked 55th with a brand value of $8.3b, up 14% from a year earlier. Beyond its flagship bank, KB Kookmin Bank, the group’s non-banking businesses—including insurance, securities, and credit cards—contributed 37% of its total profit in 2025.
Meanwhile, NH NongHyup Bank and Hana Financial Group both exceeded the $3.5b mark in brand value this year, ranking 102nd and 103rd globally. NH NongHyup Bank’s brand value rose 7% to $3.9b, whilst Hana Financial Group recorded a stronger 23% increase to $3.8b.
Other South Korean lenders featured in the Banking 500 2026 rankings include Woori Bank (112th), Industrial Bank of Korea (166th), KDB Financial Group (243rd), iM Financial Group (297th), and BNK Financial Group (307th).
Globally, Bank Central Asia (BCA) was named the world’s strongest banking brand, whilst Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) remained the most valuable banking brand with a value of $90.9b. HSBC also re-entered the global top 10 this year, according to Brand Finance.
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