investment
Japan is considering revisions to its disclosure rules for strategic shareholdings (also referred to as "policy-held shares", i.e. shares held for reasons other than pure investment), as outlined by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in November. These revisions aim to enhance transparency and address concerns about companies
population
Sompo Institute Plus, the think tank of the Sompo Group, has published a research report analyzing the relationship between population decline and the availability of various services (both private and public) in Japanese cities. It uses data on the number of stores and facilities per city to estimate "thresholds&
banking
Mizuho Financial Group and NTT DATA have signed a joint research agreement to develop a "Mizuho-Specialized Model" based on NTT's large language model (LLM) "tsuzumi". This aims to build a customized generative AI model that reflects Mizuho's unique culture and know-how, pursuing
Weekly
Welcome to the ninety-second edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. We would like to express our gratitude for your support and enthusiasm in growing our subscriber count by 44% this year, and wishing you a fulfilling year of the snake. The Nikkei closed the year up 19.22%, setting a
cashless
The Regulatory Reform Promotion Council held its 22nd session on December 25, 2024, and was reviewing its comprehensive interim report, which also included measures to simplify the rules for digital wage payments in order to promote a cashless society. Detailed discussion are to commence in the first half of FY2025,
wealth management
WealthNavi has revised upwards its earnings forecasts for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, (FY2024) which was previously announced on August 9, 2024. Note that in the interim, MUFG Bank has made a tender offer for all outstanding shares and stock acquisition rights of WealthNavi, a publicly traded robo-advisor
payments
On December 24, 2024, the 7th meeting of the Financial System Council's Working Group on Payment Services was held, reviewing a draft of the working group's report to be published in 2025. As background, the "Grand Design and Action Plan for New Capitalism" (Cabinet
banking
The Financial Services Agency (FSA) has issued a business improvement order to AEON Bank pursuant to Article 26, Paragraph 1 of the Banking Act. I. Content of the Business Improvement Order 1. The Bank shall implement the following measures to foster a sound risk culture that emphasizes anti-money laundering and
venture capital
IB has raised approximately 100 million yen in funding from TSE-listed Trade Works and Seibu Shinkin Capital, for a total amount raised of approximately 430 million yen. "Hokenbo," the insurance management app provided by IB, is a free app that allows users to manage and share insurance and
web3
SMBC Nikko Securities and Nonagon Capital have agreed to a strategic partnership, whereby SMBC Nikko will participate as a "Web3 Supporter" in the community service "Nonagon Connect" provided by Nonagon Capital, serving major corporations launching and driving their Web3 initiatives. SMBC Nikko has been focusing on
securities
MUFG Bank will acquire 100% of shares of the following overseas securities subsidiaries: MUFG Securities EMEA, MUFG Securities Asia, and MUFG Securities (Canada), currently owned by MUSHD, making them direct subsidiaries of MUFG Bank. The reorganization is scheduled for July 1, 2025, subject to the completion of necessary procedures, including
CBDC
The Bank of Japan has published the minutes of the Eighth Meeting of the Liaison Council on Central Bank Digital Currency, held on November 25, 2024. Following the opening remarks from Director Kato, the Secretariat explained the progress status of the pilot experiment (Secretariat materials, pages 1-18). After that, the