Mirae Asset Founder Park Hyeon-Joo Honored as International Executive of the Year, Details $600 Billion Global Expansion

Hyeon-Joo Park, Founder, Chairman, and Global Strategy Officer of Mirae Asset Financial Group, which manages or advises over $600 billion in assets globally, was recently honored with the International Executive of the Year Award at the Academy of International Business. In his keynote speech, Park reflected on his remarkable journey, recounting the personal struggles and experiences that shaped his path from a rural upbringing in Korea to leading a global financial powerhouse. The award recognizes his pioneering contributions to the financial industry and his vision for global growth.

Known as the "father of South Korea's mutual fund industry," Park began his financial career at Dongyang Securities before launching Mirae Asset Investment Advisory and Mirae Asset Global Investments in 1997. This move established the first professional asset management company in Korean history, followed by the nation's first mutual fund in 1998. He initiated his entrepreneurial venture amidst the challenging backdrop of the Asian financial crisis, maintaining a contrarian view and seizing opportunities in the distressed market.

Despite his early success in Korea, Park pursued a global perspective, even enrolling in an English language course in the US in his 40s and later attending Harvard University's Advanced Management Program. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and a global mindset, stating, > "Korea's economic contribution to the world GDP was less than one percent, so focusing on a Korea-only portfolio seemed a suboptimal strategy for our clients." This personal commitment paved the way for Mirae Asset's international push.

Mirae Asset has aggressively expanded its global footprint, now operating in 19 countries and growing its ETF platform to over $125 billion, making it the 12th largest ETF provider globally. Strategic acquisitions, including Horizons ETFs in Canada, Global X in the US, Stockspot in Australia, and Sharekhan in India, have been central to this expansion. Park noted, > "As long as the direction was strategically sound, I have not shied away from bold investment decisions, whether organic growth or strategic acquisitions."

Looking ahead, Park highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as a major disruptive force and a key focus for Mirae Asset's future growth. The company has established WealthSpot in the United States and acquired Stockspot, an AI robo-advisor in Australia, to develop innovative, AI-driven investment products. He also underscored the company's commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, stating, > "ESG can be the starting point for risk management and improve the sustainability of all companies."

Park believes that successful entrepreneurship hinges on strategic thinking, adaptability, and honest, passionate leadership, fostering an innovative corporate culture. Beyond business, his philanthropic efforts through the Mirae Asset Park Hyeon Joo Foundation have provided scholarships to over 6,900 students globally, reflecting his commitment to "giving back" and nurturing future talent. He concluded his speech by emphasizing, > "The future belongs to those who can deliver responsible, sustainable entrepreneurship permanently."