KB Financial Group’s stable profile carried by non-bank subsidiaries

But the subsidiaries’ credit profiles weakened in the recent downcycle.

KB Financial Group’s (KB FG) credit profile will remain resilient in the next 12 to 18 months with help from its non-bank subsidiaries, according to Moody’s Ratings.

“KB FG's non-bank subsidiaries, which amounted to a quarter of the group's total assets as of year-end 2024, have helped the group achieve higher and more stable profitability than that of Kookmin Bank alone,” the ratings agency said.

However, Moody’s warned that during the recent credit downcycle, its non-bank subsidiaries' credit profiles weakened because the subsidiaries cater to borrowers at a lower credit curve than Kookmin Bank.

KB FG is expected to enjoy a “very high level of support” from the Korean government should it become necessary. This is because of its systemic importance, highlighted by its designation as a domestic systematically important financial institution in Korea.