Foreign workers are taking on broader roles in Korea’s financial industry, with JB Financial Group, Hana Bank and Toss expanding hiring beyond foreign-customer service. In Seoul, Russian national Oleg Smagin works in JB Financial’s AX Strategy Division on digital asset strategy and says foreign experience can add useful perspectives. The trend reflects banks and fintech firms seeking specialized skills in areas such as digital service planning, data analysis and anti-money laundering.
Oleg Smagin, a senior manager in JB Financial Group's AX Strategy Division, poses during an interview with The Korea Times at the group's Seoul office in Yeouido, Aug. 26. Korea Times photo by Lee Hyo-jin
Oleg Smagin's workday in Seoul looks much like that of his Korean colleagues.
The 31-year-old Russian national works as a senior manager in JB Financial Group's AX Strategy Division at its Seoul office in Yeouido, the heart of Korea's financial district.
His work involves market research, writing reports, attending meetings and keeping track of regulatory developments across the financial sector. He usually has lunch with his colleagues and joins after-work gatherings, a familiar part of Korean office culture.
