banking
In a significant signal that global financial giants are eager to establish regulated footing in the U.S. digital asset market, Sony Bank has formally applied to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to establish a national trust bank. Dated October 6, 2025, the application outlines plans
Weekly
Welcome to the one hundred thirty-third edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. What a difference a week makes! For last week's edition, it seemed a foregone conclusion that Takaichi, coming fresh off her victory in the LDP presidential election, would become Japan's first female prime minister.
Weekly
Welcome to the one hundred thirty-second edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. What a difference a year makes! After last year's LDP leadership election, which Ishiba won in a run-off against Takaichi, the TOPIX sold off -3.5% and the Japanese Yen strengthened from ¥146 to below ¥142
regional banks
The Chiba Bank and The Chiba Kogyo Bank have jointly declared their resolution to pursue a management consolidation. This strategic move, formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to establish a new bank holding company that will serve as the wholly-owning parent of both institutions. The
venture capital
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), MUFG Bank, and Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation (MUTB) have announced that they would establish an equity fund to principally invest in middle and later-stage startups (growth companies) in Japan. For Japan’s sustainable economic growth, it is essential to create and develop startups.
loyalty
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company, Culture Convenience Club, and CCCMK Holdings have reached an agreement regarding the capital restructuring of CCCMKHD, which operates "V Point." Sumitomo Mitsui Card will acquire additional shares of CCCMKHD, making CCCMKHD a subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Card. Also, through CCCMKHD&
Weekly
Welcome to the one hundred thirty-first edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. We tried to have the publication of our weekly report co-incide with quarter-end (at least that is this week's excuse), and follow the first two trading days of the spun-out Sony Financial. After an indicative price
mergers & acquisitions
Seven Bank is entering into a capital and business alliance with ITOCHU to adapt to a changing financial landscape (digital payments, new competition) and drive new growth. The goal is to combine Seven Bank's expertise in ATMs and retail financial services with ITOCHU's vast consumer-related business
securities
Rakuten Bank's and Rakuten Securities' Money Bridge service, connecting customers’ Rakuten Bank and Rakuten Securities accounts, has surpassed 6 million accounts as of September 2025. Rakuten Bank and Rakuten Securities began offering Money Bridge to improve the convenience of services for private asset building and management. Anyone
banking
SBI Sumishin Net Bank will become a consolidated subsidiary of NTT DOCOMO as of October 1st, 2025. Following the consolidation, starting on the same date, the service will be rebranded as “d NEOBANK”, which is representing the wide range of services directly provided by SSNB to both individual and corporate
debt financing
VinFast has secured a USD 100 million Green Loan facility from MUFG Bank, to be used for VinFast's development and international expansion strategy. The loan marks the beginning of a long-term relationship between the parties, demonstrative of the commitment of both VinFast and MUFG to advance the green
Weekly
Welcome to the one hundred thirtieth edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. Last week, the World Athletic Championships took place in Tokyo, putting the Olympic Stadium finally to the grand use it was designed for (including an audience!). Whether inspired by the athletic performances or not, the Bank of Japan