Alternative Investment
Advisory
Your Gateway to Korean Capital Markets
About Us
We target funds of over $1 billion, catering specifically to the needs of Korean institutional investors
At Kye& Investment, we specialize in navigating the complexities of the Korean capital markets to help you avoid costly mistakes and establish a robust Korean investor base efficiently. Kye& Investment is a leading independent private capital advisory firm dedicated to mobilizing capital for private equity and credit strategies. We target funds of over $1 billion, catering specifically to the needs of Korean institutional investors.
We boast a proven track record in fundraising for a diverse array of middle-market alternative strategies. Our services are particularly valuable for those overlooked by Korean brokerage firms due to the intricate and demanding nature of these transactions.
Clients gain immediate access to our extensive investor network, comprising 45+ institutions, including pension funds, insurance companies, financial cooperatives, and others. Collectively, these institutions manage over $1.5 trillion in assets.
Services
Our ultimate goal is to align our interests with those of our clients. We specialize in providing high-touch and customized advisory services to mid-market investment firms that may not be familiar with Korean fund finance market. Our team is dedicated to helping our clients navigating this idiosyncratic and complex market with confidence and achieve their investment goals.
We provide strategic advice and support in developing and executing a comprehensive fundrasing strategy involving identifying potential investors and building relationships with them, developing marketing materials and pitchbooks, managing the due diligence process and negotiating the terms of the fund with prospective investors.
South Korea Market
South Korea has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations in Asia for global fundraisers
The landscape for Korean institutional investors underwent a significant transformation post-2005. Prior to that, raising capital was confined to a project-specific approach. However, the introduction of new capital markets legislation facilitated the emergence of "commingled funds," allowing for pooled capital investments. This legislative change catalyzed a massive growth in private fund investments by entities such as Korea's National Pension Service (NPS), which, as per a McKinsey study, saw an increase exceeding tenfold from 2007 to 2017.
South Korea has rapidly ascended as a prime destination in Asia for global fundraising activities, emerging as a new powerhouse in the alternative investments sector. With the world's 10th largest economy by nominal GDP, South Korea boasts the 8th largest pension assets globally. Consequently, Korean institutional investors, managing an aggregate of over $1.5 trillion in assets, are actively expanding their presence in offshore private funds. Their goal: to achieve portfolio diversification and to secure elevated returns.
Investors acknowledge that communication barriers and time zone discrepancies present significant challenges in foreign investment endeavors. Consequently, the support of a committed local team or a seasoned agent on the ground proves to be crucial for General Partners (GPs) aiming to achieve their investment goals with efficacy.
Team
SEOK JOONG KIM
SENIOR ADVISER
Seok Joong Kim is a seasoned financial expert who currently serves as an outside director at the Korean Ratings of which the Fitch Group is the largest shareholder. With about 40 years experience in various financial sectors, Dr. Kim held key positions at the major institutions. His notable roles include CIO at Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance (HMFI), CEO at Hyundai Investment Asset Management (HIAM), and CEO at Phoenix Asset Management.
During his job at HMFI, Dr. Kim managed the company’s investment portfolios successfully, ensuring sustainable growth and stability. As CEO at HIAM, he led the company to new heights with expanding the alternative assets.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Kim served as Senior Vice President at Goodmorning Shinhan Securities, where he headed the division for equity and financial products sales and research. His extensive experience also includes senior role at Kyobo Securities. Within Daewoo Securities, he was a head of representative office of Zurich.
In addition to his executive roles, Dr. Kim is currently a member of financial advisory committee at the POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology), and a member of asset management committee at the KTCU. Dr. Kim was a member of the steering committee at KIC for 6 years. It was the first time in KIC’s history.
He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Dongguk University, M.A. in Economics from Kansas State University, and B.A. in Agricultural Economics from Chungbuk National University.
JAIYONG KYE
MANAGING PARTNER
Jaiyong Kye, founder and Managing Partner at Kye& Investment, established the firm in 2015. Before founding Kye&, he was a pivotal figure at KDB Daewoo Securities, holding the position of Managing Director where he spearheaded overseas business development and strategic investment, particularly in the United States, liaising directly with CFOs and CIOs of top-tier global investment firms, including Starwood Capital, Greenhill, Moelis, Stifel, and Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co., among others.
With 30 years of rich experience in cross-border M&A and corporate finance, Jaiyong has a proven track record of advising financial institutions and corporations across the globe. His expertise was honed through significant roles at renowned firms including HSBC Investment Bank, Meritz Securities, and Daewoo Securities.
Jaiyong’s academic credentials include an MBA from the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester and a B.A. in Economics from Dongguk University.
Contact Us
For any general inquiries, please fill in the following contact form:
Level 43, International Finance Center Seoul, Three IFC,
10 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul Korea 07326
Email: Jaiyong.kye@kyeninvest.com
Tel: +82 2 6138 4329
Fax: +82 2 6138 4555
Bespoke Connections (www.bespokeconnections.com) and Jade Advisors (https://jadeadv.com) are our strategic partners, covering global markets
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