Hana Bank (; KEB Hana Bank outside South Korea) is a commercial bank headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. Since its establishment as Korea Exchange Bank in 1967, it provides the largest range of foreign exchange products in South Korea. History Korea Exchange Bank (1967–2015) Establishment and privatization Korea Exchange Bank was established in 1967 as a government-owned bank specializing in foreign exchange. It was privatized in 1989 and was one of Korea's first commercial banks. During the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan, KEB was the first Korean bank to export Korean won to another nation, by exporting bundles of 10000 won notes to Japan. Jan 1975: Started securities business Apr 1978: Launched Korea's first credit card service Mar 1983: Issued travelers cheques Feb 1985: Official sponsor bank for 1986 Asian Games & 1988 Summer Olympics Apr 1994: Listed on Korean Stock Exchange Dec 1995: Opened foreign exchange research center Nov 1999: Opened a foreign exchange website offering exchange rate conversions and foreign exchange services Apr 2001: Opened the foreign exchange website FXKEB.COM Jun 2002: Introduced ATM services in foreign currency - a first for Korea Acquisition by Lone Star Funds Korea Exchange Bank was acquired in 2003 by Lone Star Funds, a private U.S. equity fund, as part of the general reorganization of the South Korean financial sector following the Asian financial crisis. In 2006, Lone Star tried to sell the company to the highest bidder, Kookmin Bank, but the plan was scrapped when it faced investigations by South Korean prosecutors and regulators. In September 2007, HSBC agreed to purchase a controlling stake for $6 billion, but the sale was not approved by the South Korean government. In September 2008, Kookmin Bank and Hana Bank were considered for a takeover of KEB after HSBC failed to acquire the bank in 2007. Oct 2003: Acquired by Lone Star Funds Feb 2004: Merged Korea Exchange Bank Credit Service Co. Aug 2014: Korea Exchange Bank Credit Group Separated from Korea Exchange Bank Acquisition by Hana Financial Group In February 2012, Hana Financial Group Inc. completed its purchase of Korea Exchange Bank from Lone Star Funds and Export Import Bank of Korea. Jan 2015: Launched 1QBank and the 1Q INSTA Card in Canada, becoming the first bank in Canada to offer a prepaid Interac card not linked to a bank account. Hana Bank (2015–present) After years-long efforts, Hana Financial Group merged