Weekly
Welcome to the one hundred twenty-sixth edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. Quite the week in Japan, with the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), as well as the kick-off to Japan Blockchain Week with the WebX Fintech EXPO in Osaka. The former was dominated by SMBC making
tokenization
What a day in Osaka on Friday! In a series of coordinated announcements SBI Holdings unveiled a multi-faceted strategy to build and dominate the next generation of digital finance. Through landmark partnerships with global crypto leaders Startale Group, Ripple, and Circle, as well as Japanese financial titan Sumitomo Mitsui Banking
debt financing
Shoko Chukin Bank actively supports startup companies that aim to solve social issues through innovative products and services, in collaboration with related organizations. Shoko Chukin Bank's Startup Business Department has provided a loan of 100 million yen to COUNTERWORKS as funding necessary for business expansion. COUNTERWORKS is a
banking
This past week has marked a pivotal moment in Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation's (SMBC) engagement with the African continent. Against the backdrop of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), SMBC has announced a series of strategic partnerships and investments that underscore a deep and multi-faceted
banking
SBI Holdings has concluded a “Strategic Capital and Business Alliance Agreement” with TOHOKU BANK. Having completed the repayment of public funds for SBI Shinsei Bank, the group is now free to resume its regional banking rollup strategy in order to create the "fourth mega bank". Purpose of the
banking
Seven Bank agreed with ITOCHU Corporation, majority owner of Family Mart, on the commencement of capital and business alliance discussions including collaboration in a wide range of financial areas. Leveraging its domestic and international business foundation with strengths in the consumer sector, ITOCHU develops new services and businesses by capturing
Weekly
Welcome to the one hundred twenty-fifth edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. Chaos, chaos, everywhere! The subway line to the Osaka Expo 2025 broke down, leaving thousands of people stranded late into the night. McDonald's offered a Pokemon promotion, leading to piles of "Happy Meals" discarded
banking
The Financial Services Agency (FSA) held a series of meetings with Japan's financial industry associations, outlining its key priorities and concerns. The discussions reveal a strong focus on enhancing governance, strengthening cybersecurity, and ensuring customer-centric operations across the entire financial system. I. Common Points Raised Across Associations Several
Weekly
Welcome to the one hundred twenty-fourth edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. The TOPIX reached a record high on August 8, 2025, hitting 3038.84 points during the regular session and closing at 3024.21. This was the first time TOPIX has broken 3000 points in its history. It closed
artificial intelligence
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation announce the development and deployment of an "AI-CEO" at Sumitomo Mitsui Bank as part of their efforts to establish their brand as an "AI-leading Financial Institution." Background and Objectives As AI technology has shown remarkable development in
mergers & acquisitions
Resona currently holds 12.42% of Digital Garage's shares (ratio to total voting rights as of March 31, 2025), acquired through third-party allocation and market purchases, and Digital Garage positions Resona as a strategic partner for Digital Garage's medium- to long-term growth. By acquiring 8,520,
consumer finance
AEON Financial Services has submitted an amended securities report and other documents for the fiscal year ending February 2025 to the Director-General of the Kanto Regional Financial Bureau on July 31, 2025, and has also corrected its financial results summary, as detailed below. As announced on July 9, 2025, regarding