[THE INVESTOR] Shinhan Financial Group, a major South Korean banking group, has decided to increase capital by 500 billion won (US$439.63 million) through rights issue in a bid to morph into an investment bank, the group said on July 21. With the proposed capital increase the firm’s equity capital will reach over 3 trillion won, the minimum threshold level to meet the government’s requirement to receive official permits to conduct a full-range of investment banking activities. From 2013, the nat

[THE INVESTOR] Three affiliates of Sampyo Group are planning initial public offerings on Seoul’s main bourse before the group floats its own shares, sources said on July 21. The key affiliates -- Sampyo P&C, Sampyo E&C and Sampyo Industry -- are looking at listing as a way to boost the group’s market value by raising funds. According to investment bank officials, Sampyo Group, a holding firm, sent out a request for proposals to seven brokerage houses to hire underwriters for the three IPOs.Sampy

[THE INVESTOR] South Korean stocks edged down on July 21, sliding for a third consecutive session as investors took to the sidelines ahead of the European Central Bank’s policy meeting later in the day. The Korean won rose against the US dollar.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index fell 1.43 points, or 0.07 percent, to close at 2,015.46. Trade volume was light at 388 million shares worth 3.84 trillion won (US$3.38 billion), with losers outnumbering gainers 422 to 371. The European Cent