South Korea's major brokerage firms celebrated record-breaking profits in 2025, fueled by a robust bull run in the local stock market, according to industry data released Sunday. The combined net profit of the country's 27 securities firms soared to 10.23 trillion won ($7.03 billion), marking a significant jump from the previous year's 6.97 trillion won.
Leading the pack was Korea Investment & Securities, which reported the highest net income at 2.01 trillion won for the year, representing a 79 percent increase from 2024. This standout performance underscores the firm's dominance amid the market's upward trajectory.
Close behind, Mirae Asset Securities achieved a net profit of 1.59 trillion won, solidifying its position as a key player in the sector. The financial district of Yeouido in Seoul, home to the headquarters of these major brokerages, buzzed with the news of these impressive gains.
Kiwoom Investment & Securities followed with a net profit of 1.12 trillion won, while NH Investment & Securities and Samsung Securities rounded out the top performers with 1.03 trillion won and 1.01 trillion won, respectively.
The stellar results across these firms were largely attributed to heightened commission fees generated from surging stock trading activity by retail investors. The bull market conditions provided fertile ground for increased transactions, boosting revenues significantly.
These figures highlight the resilience and profitability of South Korea's securities industry, even as global markets faced various headwinds. The Yeouido financial hub continues to serve as the epicenter for such high-stakes financial activities.
