NH Nonghyup Bank to Invest Directly in AI Firms for Future Growth

NH Nonghyup Bank is set to directly invest in artificial intelligence (AI) companies as part of its strategy to secure future core competencies and align with government policies promoting productive finance and AI transformation in the agricultural sector. The bank announced it signed a business cooperation agreement with Agile Soda, a company specializing in AI technology.

This strategic investment stems from Nonghyup Bank's assessment that direct investment in AI firms is crucial for integrating AI across its financial services and preemptively securing future capabilities. Since the latter half of last year, the bank has been evaluating its internal strengths and developing strategies to bolster its AI competitiveness. Agile Soda was selected for its capabilities in implementing agentic AI platforms, developing AI agents, and its expertise in finance-specific AI and data analysis.

Nonghyup Bank aims to achieve an "Agentic AI Bank" by 2027 through this early acquisition of AI competitiveness via direct investment in Agile Soda. This initiative is expected to serve as a prime example of productive finance, where the bank actively provides capital to innovative companies, supporting their stable and long-term growth. The bank plans to finalize the investment contract and regulatory filings by June, with the AI agent development project set to begin in July.

"Excellent AI specialists are paramount for AX (AI Transformation)," said Kang Tae-young, CEO of NH Nonghyup Bank. "Through this direct investment in an AI company, we will accelerate our leap towards becoming an Agentic AI Bank where AI is integrated into the daily lives of our customers and employees."

Meanwhile, Nonghyup Financial Group has established a dedicated task force to promote productive finance across its affiliates. The group plans to participate in national growth funds, expand investments and loans in advanced strategic industries, and promote inclusive finance for small business owners, self-employed individuals, and financially underserved populations.