On July 21 (local time), Shinhan Bank announced the relocation of its London branch at the Eight Bishopsgate building in London's financial district. During the event, the bank also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a major African development finance institution.
The relocation marks more than a simple physical move; it is a strategic step to bolster Shinhan Bank's role as a financial hub for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and to expand its global investment banking capabilities. Since establishing the GCM (Global Capital Market) Desk in January 2025, the bank elevated its London branch to serve as the EMEA regional headquarters.
During the event, Shinhan Bank CEO Mr. Jung Sang-hyeok emphasized, “London is the world’s financial epicenter where finance and innovation converge. This move to a new financial landmark signifies a key turning point in strengthening Shinhan Bank’s global competitiveness.” He added, “As the headquarters covering EMEA, we will faithfully serve as a bridge for finance across the region.”
Additionally, on the same day, Shinhan Bank signed a strategic MOU with AFC, aiming to actively expand investment and financial cooperation in African infrastructure projects.
Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, AFC is the continent’s largest multilateral development finance institution, with experience investing over $12 billion in infrastructure projects across more than 35 African countries.
Through this partnership, both organizations plan to collaborate in areas such as joint evaluation and financing of African infrastructure projects, supporting Korean companies pursuing opportunities in Africa, and providing financial services to activate Korea-Africa trade. Special focus will be placed on sectors including energy, transportation, digital infrastructure, and industrial development—aiming to lower barriers for Korean firms entering the African market and to expand the role of K-finance.
A Shinhan Bank official stated, “This agreement marks a new milestone in cooperation between Korean financial institutions and African development banks, recognizing Africa as a key market in the global supply chain reorganization. We aim to further expand collaboration into sustainable development areas like climate change response and infrastructure modernization.”
Meanwhile, Shinhan Bank’s CEO Mr. Jung also met with Baroness Poppy Gustafson, UK Minister of Investment, at the London branch’s relocation ceremony. They discussed collaborative strategies and investment opportunities in key growth sectors aligned with the UK Government’s ‘Modern Industrial Strategy’ and ‘10-Year Infrastructure Strategy.’
