London, United Kingdom / Seoul, South Korea [March 12, 2026] – Crown Agents Bank (CAB), a leading B2B FX and payments provider delivering prosperity in the fast‑growth and dynamic markets it serves, has signed a new commercial partnership agreement with Hana Bank, one of South Korea’s most prestigious and respected financial institutions.
This partnership strengthens CAB’s longstanding commitment to building direct, in-market banking relationships that allow clients to benefit from improved access, transparency and efficiency when trading and settling in emerging and developed markets.
Through this agreement, CAB clients will be able to settle directly in Korean Won (KRW), which will eliminate reliance on intermediary currencies such as USD, EUR, or GBP. That direct access will reduce settlement times, mitigate the “multi-hop” challenges that often inflate costs, and provide clients with more competitive FX rates and payment pricing.
The Korean central bank has eased off on some of its regulations in recent years, which has allowed more products and services for customers and clients.
Neeraj Kapur, Group CEO, Crown Agents Bank, said:
“Direct KRW settlement is a significant enhancement for institutions operating in or with exposure to South Korea, and we are proud to bring this capability to our global client base. In a short space of time, it is already becoming effective for our clients.
“This achievement, underpinned by our expanding international presence, not only enables CAB to deliver best-in-class foreign exchange pricing, faster settlement times and greater transparency to clients, but also positions us to connect with new clients and opportunities across our global network.”
Chiwoo Lee, Deputy General Manager, Hana Bank London, said:
“Crown Agents Bank is a globally recognised institution with strong expertise in payments and foreign exchange, and we are pleased to partner with them to deliver more efficient direct KRW settlement for international financial institutions.
“This collaboration combines CAB’s global network capabilities with Hana Bank’s expertise in the Korean Won market, enhancing cross-border efficiency and access to Korea. As global demand for Korean-related assets continues to grow, Hana Bank will further expand international access across a broad range of KRW-denominated products, including FX, equities and fixed income.”
For further enquiries please contact:
Mat Loup, Head of Media Relations, Crown Agents Bank media.enquiries@crownagentsbank.com
Chiwoo Lee, Deputy General Manager, Hana Bank London fx_london@hanafn.com
About Crown Agents Bank
Crown Agents Bank Limited exists to deliver prosperity to the markets we serve. With a network built over more than 180 years, we connect the world’s hardest-to-reach financial markets to the global economy, moving money across more than 120 currencies and 800 currency pairs via API, digital platforms, and bespoke solutions. Crown Agents Bank Limited is one of the first banks to achieve B Corporation™ status and holds the Platinum Sustainability Rating from EcoVadis, ranking within the top 1% of companies assessed globally.
About Hana Bank
Founded in 1971 and expanded through its merger with Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) in 2015, Hana Bank is one of South Korea’s largest and most influential banks. Headquartered in Seoul, the Bank operates over 600 branches domestically and maintains a presence in over 24 countries. With a leading share of South Korea’s foreign exchange market, Hana Bank provides a full range of financial services to clients worldwide.
Crown Agents Bank and Hana Bank partnership: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Crown Agents Bank and Hana Bank partnership?
CAB has formed a strategic partnership with Hana Bank to deliver a seamless, high‑performance payment and FX experience for clients transacting into the Korean market. By combining CAB’s global network and expertise with Hana’s deep local market capabilities, we’ve created a streamlined cross‑border solution that enhances speed, transparency, and ease of doing business in Korea. This collaboration enables CAB to offer clients a more efficient route into one of East Asia’s most dynamic markets — supported by trusted, in‑country infrastructure and insight.
When did the Crown Agents Bank and Hana Bank partnership start?
We executed our first client trades in February, and the service is now fully live — ready to support all our client segments with efficient payment and FX flows into Korea.
Why is this Crown Agents Bank and Hana Bank partnership important?
In an era of shifting global trade patterns and a gradual diversification away from the US dollar, establishing our first direct relationship in South Korea with Hana Bank marks a significant milestone for Crown Agents Bank.
How does this benefit clients?
Our partnership with Hana Bank unlocks a faster, smarter way for clients to move money into Korea. By combining CAB’s global expertise with Hana’s on‑the-ground strength, clients gain access to highly competitive FX rates, improved payment pricing, and accelerated settlement times.
Clients further benefit from CAB’s advisory support — delivered alongside Hana Bank — to confidently navigate Korea’s regulatory and documentation landscape, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience end-to-end.
