Hanwha Life expands global reach with key partnerships at Davos
Hanwha Life reinforces its position as a global financial leader by signing strategic partnerships with SBVA and Celadon Partners at Davos 2025, enhancing its AI and ICT capabilities and paving the way for further expansion in the Asian market
Hanwha Life and SBVA cement their partnership for AI innovation at the World Economic Forum in Davos. (From left to right) Hanwha Life Vice Chairman and CEO Seung Joo Yeo, Hanwha Life President and CGO Dong-Won Kim, and SBVA CEO JP Lee
Hanwha Life announced strategic partnerships with two global investment firms at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. The company signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with SBVA (formerly SoftBank Ventures Asia), a firm specializing in AI and ICT, and Celadon Partners, an investment management firm with a proven track record in trans-pacific investments.
On January 21, Hanwha Life hosted a signing ceremony with SBVA at its Davos office, marking the beginning of their partnership to drive innovation in AI and ICT. The event was attended by Hanwha Life Vice Chairman and CEO Seung Joo Yeo, Hanwha Life Chief Global Officer (CGO) and President Dong-Won Kim, SBVA CEO JP Lee, and other representatives from both organizations.
"As highlighted by the WEF’s main theme this year, ‘Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,’ global partnerships are essential for AI innovation,” said Seung Joo Yeo, CEO of Hanwha Life. “Through this collaboration with SBVA, we aim to create new growth opportunities, secure AI leadership, and take a significant step toward becoming a global comprehensive financial group."
"SBVA’s differentiated technical expertise, global network, and investment experience align seamlessly with Hanwha Life’s commitment to AI innovation. Together, we will create synergies that drive meaningful outcomes," added JP Lee, CEO of SBVA.
Founded in 2000 as a venture capital arm of the SoftBank Group, SBVA became independent in 2022 after being acquired by The Edgeof, a Singapore-based investment firm. The company operates a robust global network, focusing on early-stage investments in AI and ICT startups, as well as fund creation and management worldwide.
Seung Joo Yeo, Hanwha Life Vice Chairman and CEO (left), and Donald Tang, Celadon Partners CEO (right), commemorate the signing of an MOU for AI innovation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland
On the following day, January 22, Hanwha Life signed another MOU with Celadon Partners. Primarily operating in the transpacific market, Celadon Partners specializes in turnaround and special situation strategies. Through this partnership, Hanwha Life aims to further enhance its presence in the Asian market.
"We look forward to growing alongside Hanwha Life, a company making significant strides as a global financial powerhouse," said Donald Tang, CEO of Celadon Partners.
For 78 years, Hanwha Life has been at the forefront of developing the insurance industry and advancing South Korea’s economic growth. As part of its expansion, the financial group has entered several overseas markets, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and most recently the U.S. Furthermore, Hanwha Life is driving innovation in the financial ecosystem through AI research and investment.
Building on Hanwha Life’s efforts to drive AI innovation, James Landay, Director of Stanford University’s Human-Centered AI (HAI) Institute, visited the Hanwha office for an in-depth discussion about AI and plans for collaboration.
At the WEF, Hanwha Life actively engaged with global financial leaders, leveraging its experience in AI, digital innovation, and open innovation to reinforce its role as a trusted partner for international investors. The company underscored its commitment to advancing Korea’s economic presence on the global stage and fostering new opportunities for collaboration.
Hanwha Life
Established in 1946, Hanwha Life is not only a leading South Korean life insurance company but also the first and oldest in the nation. For the past 78 years, Hanwha Life has played a critical role in developing the industry and expanding the country’s economic growth. In 2023, Hanwha Life reported total assets of USD 113.77 billion, demonstrating its sound structure and firm commitment to adding innovative products and services that meet a wide range of customer needs.
For more information, visit: www.hanwhalife.com/en
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