On April 6, 2026, NH Investment & Securities (NH투자증권) achieved a significant milestone in South Korea’s financial sector, announcing the complete sell-out of its first comprehensive investment account (IMA) product, 'N2 IMA1 Mid-Term Type No.1.' The event marks a pivotal shift in how both corporations and individuals are managing their surplus funds, as well as a new chapter for the country’s capital markets.
According to multiple Korean news outlets, including 경인방송, 디지털데일리, EBN, and 연합뉴스, the IMA product, launched in March 2026 with a total offering of 400 billion KRW, stands out not just for its rapid sell-out but for the unique makeup of its investors. Unlike typical retail financial products, where individual investors dominate, this IMA saw corporate funds comprise 55% of the total investment, with individuals accounting for the remaining 45%. This contrasts sharply with similar products from other firms, where up to 80% of investments often come from individuals.
What’s driving this shift? The answer lies in both the product’s structure and broader market trends. NH Investment & Securities designed the IMA to invest client deposits into corporate finance assets, returning the performance directly to customers. The product promises a base annual yield of 4.0%, alongside a principal repayment guarantee—a combination that’s hard to find in the current market, where bank deposit rates hover around 2%.
For corporations, especially chief financial officers (CFOs) tasked with managing company reserves, the allure is clear. With global economic volatility and rising trade tensions fueling stock market fluctuations, companies have been seeking stable yet profitable places to park their funds. Traditionally, they’ve relied on money market deposit accounts (MMDA) or money market funds (MMF), but with interest rates stagnating, the opportunity cost has grown. The IMA’s higher yield and principal protection offer a compelling alternative, meeting the conservative risk profiles of many corporate treasurers while providing a meaningful return.
NH Investment & Securities’ credibility has also played a crucial role. As of April 6, 2026, the company is the only IMA provider in Korea to hold an AA+ credit rating, as confirmed by 연합뉴스. This top-tier rating, coupled with its industry-leading performance in both equity and bond issuance in 2025, has reassured investors—both institutional and individual—that their money is in safe hands. “This result is supported by our proven capabilities, including being the only IMA operator with an AA+ credit rating and top-tier results in stock and bond issuance last year,” an NH Investment & Securities representative told 디지털데일리.
Another eye-catching detail is the source of the funds. About 60% of the total sales came from new assets transferred from other financial institutions, not from existing NH Investment & Securities customers. This influx of fresh capital suggests a broader trend: the center of gravity for safe asset management in Korea is shifting from traditional banks to the capital markets. “The high participation of corporate investors is both a recognition of the stability and profitability of our IMA product in the market and a sign that the paradigm for corporate fund management is changing,” said NH Investment & Securities CEO Yoon Byung-woon, as quoted by 연합뉴스.
Industry observers note that the IMA’s appeal goes beyond its headline yield. The product’s structure allows for additional performance returns based on investment results, providing an extra incentive for those willing to accept a bit more risk for potentially higher rewards. At the same time, the principal protection clause minimizes downside exposure—a crucial feature for companies and individuals looking to safeguard their assets in uncertain times.
From an institutional perspective, the influx of corporate funds into the IMA is seen as a vote of confidence in NH Investment & Securities’ corporate finance (IB) capabilities. The company’s ability to source and manage high-quality assets, control risk, and deliver consistent returns has been validated by the strong response from both corporate and individual investors. As EBN reported, “The fact that 60% of the inflow was from new external assets shows that the company’s IB capabilities and creditworthiness have passed the test of institutional investors.”
But the story doesn’t end with the sale of a single product. NH Investment & Securities has ambitious plans to leverage this success as a springboard for broader change. The firm intends to expand its asset management client base, targeting not just individuals but also more corporations and institutions. Perhaps most significantly, the company aims to develop the IMA platform into a supply channel for venture capital, channeling funds raised through IMAs into venture firms, innovative startups, and large-scale infrastructure projects—thereby supporting the real economy.
“We plan to expand our asset management customer base and strengthen the role of connecting the capital market and the real economy by linking corporate finance investment,” said a company spokesperson, according to 경인방송. The goal is to transform the IMA from a straightforward investment vehicle into a robust platform for supplying risk capital to the sectors that need it most.
For individual investors, the IMA’s success also signals a changing landscape. As more corporate money flows into capital markets, individuals may find themselves competing for attractive, low-risk investment opportunities. At the same time, the product’s principal protection and competitive yields could set a new standard for retail investment products, raising expectations for what’s possible outside the confines of traditional banking.
Looking ahead, NH Investment & Securities’ achievement is likely to have ripple effects across the financial sector. Other securities firms and banks may feel pressure to develop similar products, further eroding the dominance of low-yield bank deposits and MMFs. For corporations, the success of the IMA could prompt a re-evaluation of treasury management strategies, especially as global economic uncertainty persists.
“We will continue to create reliable management performance for both corporate and individual investors based on our proven IB capabilities,” CEO Yoon Byung-woon emphasized, as reported by 연합뉴스. With the backing of NH Nonghyup Financial Group and years of expertise in note issuance and asset management, NH Investment & Securities appears well-positioned to lead this new wave of innovation in Korea’s capital markets.
As the dust settles from the record-setting sale, one thing is clear: the landscape of asset management in Korea is evolving, with NH Investment & Securities at the forefront of a movement that could redefine how both companies and individuals approach investment in the years to come.