Ethical Management │ Ethical Management │ Empowerment│ Korea Investment Corporation

KIC was established to efficiently manage assets entrusted by the government, the Bank of Korea, and other entities, with the aim of contributing to the development of Korea’s financial industry.

KIC has adopted ethical and transparent management as fundamental principles of its governance. It promotes a strong ethical awareness among all executives and employees, and actively practices ethical management through transparent operations.

Ethics in Practice

Respecting Professionalism

We respect the professionalism and individuality of each person and work to enhance our investment expertise.

Being Conscientious

We work with a conscientious attitude, in good faith.

Pursuing Innovation

We pursue constant innovation with a creative mindset to respond flexibly to a changing financial environment.

Enhancing Profitability

We do our utmost to maximize national wealth by making rational decisions based on expert judgment.

Respecting Each Other

We respect each other, work with an open mind and communicate effectively.

Promoting a Culture of Ethics & Compliance

We promote a culture of ethics and compliance, for transparent management.

Complying with Regulations and Promoting a Culture of Integrity

We comply with laws and regulations in performing our duties. Through transparent business practices based on integrity, we strive to prevent corruption and enhance our ethical standards as a sovereign wealth fund.

Developing the Finance Industry

We contribute to the development of the finance industry by collaborating and interacting with domestic and foreign financial institutions.

Fulfilling Our Social Responsibility

We fulfill our corporate social responsibility.

Code of Ethics & Conduct

Basic Ethics

Officers/employees shall comport themselves with integrity and honesty and maintain high ethical standards.

Code of Ethics & Conduct

Basic Ethics
Officers/employees shall be honest and sincere and uphold high ethical standards.

Fair Performance of Duties
Officers/employees shall not commit unethical or unlawful acts.

Sound Business Practice of Counterparties
In the event that counterparties exceed standard business practice, for example, by providing unfair benefits (i.e. money, gift, entertainment), punitive actions may be taken against such counterparties, including but not limited to putting restrictions on new deals / trades and withdrawing KIC’s assets for a certain period of time. With respect to potential counterparties, certain punitive actions may be taken, including but not limited to being excluded from KIC’s candidate list for a certain period of time.

Separation of Private and Company Matters
Officers/employees shall, in performing their duties, clearly distinguish between personal and company matters and shall not use the property of the Corporation for private purposes or use the budget of the Corporation for purposes other than those designated.

Relations Among Officers/Employees
Officers/employees shall uphold basic manners when interacting with each other and refrain from impolite words/acts, the slandering of other officers/employees or other such acts.

Transparent Management of Information and Accounting
Officers/employees shall record and manage accounting records and other information in an accurate and transparent manner and shall not, without going through the proper procedures, disclose to third parties or improperly use any information obtained in connection with their performance of duties.

Fair Treatment
The Corporation shall provide equal opportunities based on the abilities and qualities of individual officers/employees. The Corporation shall fairly evaluate and compensate the individual officers/employees with respect to their achievements and performance, and shall not discriminate against officers/employees based on their gender, academic background, age, religion, hometown, or physical disability.

Prohibition of Improper Political Activities
The Corporation shall not be improperly involved in politics and shall not provide unlawful donations or expenses to political parties, politicians or candidates for election campaigns.

Compliance with International Management Norms
Officers/employees shall comply with international conventions and regulations related to investment and trade, such as the Anti-Bribe Convention on International Commercial Transactions, respect the laws and cultures of, and contribute to the economic development of local countries.