Japan
SMFG targets 15% ROTE with new medium-term plan and vision
SMFG targets 15% ROTE with new medium-term plan and vision
It named IT transformation a major management priority.
SMBC sells MANUBANK’s commercial banking unit to US’ Bank of Hope
Jenius Bank is not part of the transaction.
Mizuho Bank completes merger with research & tech unit
Research and consulting functions are now under the Mizuho Research Institute brand.
MUFG to build models for film and animation loans
MUFG will design models for valuation and completion guarantees needed to secure loans.
Mizuho teams up with asset managers to expand investment products
They will develop and distribute new products as well as personal exchanges.
Japan corporate banking hits $34b by 2032 amidst strain
The market climbed to $8.9b in 2024 whilst legacy tech remains a hurdle.
Japanese banks avoid $550b US investment hook for now
The JBIC would likely do the initial heavy lifting.
Mizuho pivots to automated reporting to meet Japan’s new IFRS 9 standards
It will use FIS’ balance sheet manager solution to assess credit losses.
PayPay prices Nasdaq IPO at $16 to raise $880m
It's over 54.98 million shares on offer are priced at $16 per share.
SMFG names Takeshi Mikami as representative executive officer
The appointment is effective April 2026.
MUFG and AlbaCore launch global platform for infrastructure debt
AlbaCore will act as manager of the funds.
JCB to explore commercialisation of UWB payments
Smartphones with UWB functions are widely available in Japan, JCB said.
MUFG Bank invests in Satellite Data Services
SDS will begin to commercialise its data services.
Citi invests in Japan’s Sakana AI
Citi says the investment will help Sakana AI in its international expansion.
MUFG and JICT to jointly promote autonomous driving deployment
The two companies have invested in US-based May Mobility.
Norinchukin logs $636.78m profit for Apr-Dec 2025
Full-year profit will come lower as Nochu foresees a potential portfolio rebalance.
SMFG’s CET1 ratio climb to 12.75% on higher capital
The Japanese megabank earlier reported a profit of $8.99b for the 9M period.
Commentary
Built to last: How Japan is approaching the cross-border payments challenge
Asia’s 20% advantage: The simplification strategy rewriting banking from Singapore to Shanghai
Perth is emerging as an unlikely testbed for the future of global finance