Japan

Credit cards command 58% of Japan's e-commerce value

Worldpay data ranks the market as the global leader for direct card usage.

Interest income and fees drive Japan bank profits up 32.7% to $37.25b

NPLs slightly increased although the NPL ratio dipped to 0.64%.

Japan's megabanks target live stablecoin transactions in FY2026

The three will establish a voluntary council for this goal.

Mizuho mulls cutting investment units to broaden investor base

It acknowledged it as a way to increase the liquidity of its shares.

SMFG targets $5b in sales and trading revenue: report

Arihiro Nagata conservatively estimates that it would take six years to do so.

Japan’s megabanks stockpile $5.48b in provisions despite record earnings

MUFG tripled its loan-loss provisions whilst Mizuho’s more than doubled.

Norinchukin swings to $758.8m profit in FY2025

It expects to earn between $312m to $625m in FY2026.

Japan Post Bank net income surges 26.8% to $3.31b on interest and fee gains

Net interest income and net fees and commission rose in FY2026/3.

SMBC and Toshiba build quantum-driven Japan and US equity indices

Stocks will be chosen and weighted using Toshiba’s quantum computer.

Mizuho Bank to become major shareholder of Rakuten Bank

Rakuten Bank may acquire corporate loans originated by Mizuho Bank, amongst others.

MUFG trims bond portfolio to limit losses but earnings slowdown looms

Its earnings growth is expected to slow to 5% from fiscal 2027.

Built to last: How Japan is approaching the cross-border payments challenge

Japan is extending it until the reliability it has delivered domestically is matched by when a payment leaves borders.

Mizuho clarifies ‘no decision yet’ on Rakuten Bank investment

Rakuten Bank said that Mizuho “has not made any decision” regarding the investment.

SMFG logs record profit of $10.02b in FY3/2026

The Japanese megabank aims for a $10.7b net profit for FY3/2027.

SMFG launches shareholder benefit program ahead of 2-for-1 stock split

They will be granted up to JPY30,000 worth of rewards points, amongst other perks.