iM Asset Management is preparing to reenter the exchange-traded fund (ETF) market after a hiatus of approximately 1 year and 7 months. The company has recently established a dedicated task force (TF) and appointed ETF experts from major asset management firms.
According to financial industry sources on September 29, iM Asset Management has formed a new ETF TF team and is beginning preparations for new product development and lineup expansion.
This marks iM Asset Management's return to the ETF market since February 2025, when it launched the 'iM Asset 200 ETF' on the securities market. Initially designed to track the KOSPI 200 index, the ETF business faced stagnation due to a lack of subsequent product launches.
Kim Seong-hoon has been appointed as the head of the newly established TF. He previously served as the head of the ETF division at Hanwha Asset Management, where he led the 'ARIRANG ETF' brand. During his tenure at Hanwha, he oversaw the launch of over 25 ETFs, including 18 products that were the first of their kind in South Korea, such as those focused on defense, solar energy, and U.S. tech leverage.
Kim also played a key role in increasing Hanwha Asset Management's ETF assets under management (AUM) from 1.7 trillion won at the end of 2021 to approximately 3 trillion won within two years, showcasing his product development and marketing capabilities.
After leaving Hanwha Asset Management in early March 2024, Kim joined iM Asset Management in May 2025 as the head of the institutional consulting team in the marketing division, where he was responsible for building a network with institutional investors. Recently, in September 2026, he transitioned to lead the ETF TF team, focusing on organizational setup and new product strategy.
Industry experts believe that Kim's appointment will enable iM Asset Management to effectively launch new products that meet market demands and successfully attract initial funding and establish a foothold in the market.
iM Asset Management confirmed, "It is true that we are preparing by organizing the ETF TF team."
A wholly-owned subsidiary of DGB Financial Group, iM Asset Management has built a track record centered on quantitative and index management, as well as bond investments. With Kim's product planning expertise and institutional sales know-how, the company is expected to gradually expand its ETF lineup to align with market needs.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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