KakaoBank Eyes Cards and Brokerage, Plans 2028 Business Banking

Capital arm first, then cards and securities

The first step outside banking is Marstone Capital. In June, KakaoBank signed a share purchase agreement for 100% of the company. After the acquisition and a capital increase, it plans to launch the service in 2027 and widen the product range in 2028. The initial focus is auto installment financing, leasing and rental, followed by loans to sole proprietors and small corporations, then corporate and investment finance. The capital unit's 2030 ROE target is in the double digits.

"Beyond capital M&A, we plan to approach credit cards and securities from a medium to long-term perspective," the bank said.

Corporate lending, pensions and AI

In banking, corporate lending becomes a new growth pillar, with its share of total loans set to reach 18% by 2030. Entry starts with guaranteed loans co-lent with BNK Busan Bank, with a joint corporate loan product in 2027 and corporate banking in 2028. A retirement pension service, also targeted for 2028, will use its trust license to enter the IRP and defined-contribution (DC) markets.

On AI, KakaoBank runs 12 finance-specific models covering transfers, spending and savings. Cumulative conversational AI subscribers hit 6.19 million at the end of the third quarter, up 374% year on year. An AI spending analysis service is due in December. By 2030 the bank wants non-interest income to make up 40% of revenue.