Hayfin today announces the opening of a new office in Seoul, further expanding its presence in Asia-Pacific and reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Korean market. 

Located at Three IFC in Yeouido, the heart of Seoul’s financial district, the new office will enable Hayfin to further deepen relationships with its growing base of Korean institutional investors and partners through on-the-ground coverage. The opening follows Hayfin’s management buyout, which closed in February 2025, with Samsung Life subsequently investing in the firm as a strategic minority shareholder, alongside Mubadala and AXA IM Prime. The move continues Hayfin’s broader strategic expansion across Asia-Pacific, building on the firm’s existing presence in Japan, and underscores the growing importance of South Korea and the wider Asia-Pacific region within the firm’s global investor base. 

As a dedicated distribution and investor relations office, the Seoul team will focus exclusively on supporting Hayfin’s Korean investor relationships, working closely with institutional clients and partners in the market. It will be led by Sijin (Chris) Choi, who joins Hayfin with nearly two decades of experience across investments and institutional capital formation. Most recently, Chris served as Head of Private Equity APAC at UBS Asset Management, where he was responsible for regional investment and business development activities. Previously he held senior roles at Hong Kong-based Wilshire Associates and Samsung Life & Asset Management. 

The new office complements Hayfin’s broader activity across the region, including South Korea’s critical importance for the Maritime investment strategy. 

Carlos Pla, Head of Portfolio Management, Hayfin, commented: “The opening of our Seoul office marks an important milestone in Hayfin’s continued growth across Asia-Pacific. We have developed strong relationships with investors in the market over many years, and expanding our dedicated local presence will allow us to work even more closely with our clients and partners, providing the high level of service and engagement they expect from Hayfin.” 

Chris Choi, Head of Korea, Hayfin, added: “South Korea has always been an important market within institutional capital, with a sophisticated investor base that values long-term partnerships and deep market expertise. Establishing a presence in Seoul will allow Hayfin to be closer to our clients, better understand their evolving needs, and further strengthen the relationships we have built in the market. I am excited to be joining the firm at such a pivotal point in its growth, coupled with its clear commitment to building local presence and an ambitious vision for the future.”