The chairman of the National pension plan was Jung Homin. The judging finally started. The first level was the evaluation by various expert developers. The contestants looked nervous.

Whoever won this competition would have immediate access to 3 billion dollars and more eventually.

The winner would have a huge influence on the financial world.

“Daeyang Finances’ algorithm trading has proven itself over the last three years with an overall profit of 5%.”

When Daeyang developer explained, the judges looked unimpressed. They murmured among themselves.

“Wouldn’t it be better to give the contract to a foreign equity company?”

“The new policy is to promote diverse investment portfolio within our own country, so we have no choice.”

“But this is basically using the public’s money to enrich the big financial companies…”

“Oh well…”

The experts all agreed, but there was nothing they could do.

“Next is Nuri Finances.”

Shin Gungu stepped forward.

“Hello. I am Shin Gungu from Nuri Finances. I would like to talk about our company’s winning stock recommendation algorithm. This system has been doing very well last year.” After a brief pause, Shin Gungu continued, “This algorithm learns the pattern of the past winning stocks and applies it to predict the future winning stocks. It has already proven to be very profitable, and I believe it will be a perfect solution for the national pension plan.”

The experts murmured among themselves again, “I saw that system and I think it’s too risky”

“But it has been profitable so far.”

“I looked into it very closely, and it is basically a gambling system.”

One of the experts raised his hand to ask a question.

“I think the system involves recommending very risky stocks. What is your answer to that?”

“That is why we have improved it by taking the financial analysts’ objective opinions into account.”

Some experts looked confused. With this change, this was then technically no longer an algorithm system.

However, they didn’t say anything. Nuri Finances was a big company. Someday, it was possible that they may get a job here.

“Alright. Next is KND Investment’s Kang Woosung.”

Real-time winning stock recommendation.

Extra high-frequency transactions.

Pairs trading algorithm transaction.

As Woosung provided an expert explanation, the event began to feel like a lecture. The concepts Woosung used were pioneering. Even the experts didn’t seem to understand everything.

“T…then, are you saying your system is safer and involves lesser risks?”

“That’s right. It provides consistent yet profitable results.”

“You mentioned it is also making profits in the US market. Then I take it that it is competing against large investment companies like JP Morgan and Citibank. Am I correct?”

“Yes, and we are winning against them. There are even some companies following KND’s trading pattern. We are competing against many large US corporations every second.” Woosung took a big breath and continued, “And we are winning. Isn’t it great that a Korean investment company is winning against the world’s best hedge funds?”

Many of the experts nodded.

Woosung was now appealing to the judges on the emotional level.

When Woosung was done with his presentation, everyone in the room could feel who the winner would be.

Shin Gungu approached Woosung thereafter.

“Don’t you want to join the after-party?”

“I have more work to do today.”

“Well, I guess you must be busy with the fee reduction project.”

This plan was not released to the public yet, but many already knew of it.

Credit card fee reduction.

It was a ground-breaking idea both economically and socially. The credit card companies would lose profits and their stocks would decline.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I also heard you will create an internet bank? Coconut Bank?”

“I needed a financial institution to process the card transactions.”

“Have you decided on ATM or offline places for transactions? Some may prefer online operation, but many will still prefer the offline way.”

“We have a specific target for our product. I realize it isn’t for everyone, but we will have enough customers who prefer online banking. Also, our ATM machines will first be placed in convenient stores.”

“Then what Nuri Bank will offer you is to eliminate any fees we normally charge on using our own ATM.”

There were many Nuri Banks available in Seoul. Being able to use their ATMs for free would be very beneficial.

Woosung asked, “What do you want in return?”

“We should help each other.”

“Can you give me some specifics?”

“I think we should go somewhere private to talk.”

Woosung replied coldly, “As I said before, I am busy. Besides, you aren’t the only bank that offered me this deal. Daejin and Saehan Finances both offered very similar deals. If your proposal is similar to theirs, I don’t see the point of wasting our time.” Shin Gungu frowned at Woosung’s rudeness. Woosung continued, “If you would like me to consider your offer, please send me an official proposal.”

Woosung left abruptly.

***

After Woosung left, Shin Semi came to stand by Shin Gungu.

“How was your first meeting with Kang Woosung?”

“Just as you said, he is different.”

“He said he will take over Nuri Finances in the future. We need to be cautious.”

Shin Gungu replied, “I approve of your choice for your husband.”

Shin Semi raised her voice. “Oppa!”

“I see why our father was happy with him. He also has a kind face, which is hard to find.” He ignored Shin Semi’s protest and continued, “He looks honest. Despite his success, I didn’t find him to be arrogant. He looked very controlled and ambitious.”

“So what? Will we let this happen?”

“This isn’t big enough to be the end of Nuri Enterprise. Our company is over 50 years old and very stable. Don’t give up so easily.”

Shin Semi took out her Blue S2 and replied, “You are the one who needs to take this more seriously. The world is changing. There will come a day when everything can be done on the smartphone. The future is uncertain for us.”

“Banks will always be needed no matter what.”

Shin Semi frowned. She disagreed, but she couldn’t find the need to argue.

***

Yoon Gihwan and the others were waiting for Woosung at the office.

“How did it go?”

“Fine. Besides, it doesn’t matter anyway. It was a rigged game.”

“Well, just in case.”

“The other algorithms were jokes. They can’t compare to our system.”

“Haha, perfect.”

“Just make sure to keep the system conservative. It is the public’s pension plan. We need to do the best job we can.”

Park Junwoo bit his lips. This was a huge responsibility.

Woosung added seriously. “We are talking about people’s lives here. Let’s work hard.”

Everyone looked determined.

[Breaking news] The government released the credit card fee reduction plan.

[Breaking news] KND’s Kang Woosung decides to get involved in the financial industry.

[Breaking news] Coconut Talk is designated as national core technology.