South Korean banks and regulators are active in recruiting digital talent, namely experts in the blockchain, machine learning and Big Data analysts.
Their aggressive hunting for IT talent came out of the belief that the next winner would be the leader in the digital banking services.
They also believe that they are behind such banks as Chase-JP, Citibank and other Western banks in digital apps.
The Woori Bank has opened a new independent building where digital experts develop software and programs for upgrading digital banking services. The bank plans to recruit experienced manpower all year round.
The KB  plans to hike its digital unit manpower from the current 170. It plans to hire experts on cryptocurrencies and digital marketing.
The Shinhan Bank is recruiting degree holders in digital finance at foreign universities. It would hike the digital development unit beyond the current 180.
The Hana Bank has been increasing its digital IT unit to more than 200.
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Financial regulators are also active in bolstering its digital finance supervisory team.