Weekly
Welcome to the one hundred fourteenth edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. Never a dull moment in banking! Deal-making galore, and finally the cash on those balance sheets is put to productive use (rather than stock buy backs and increased dividends, i.e. financial engineering), with the aim of
mergers & acquisitions
In parallel with NTT Docomo's tender offer for SBI Sumishin Net Bank (SSNB), NTT also executed a Capital and Business Alliance Agreement and an Investment Agreement with SBI Holdings. Background As of March 31, 2025, SBI Holdings consists of 696 subsidiaries and 64 equity-method affiliates, and is
neobank
NTT Docomo has launched a tender offer for SBI Sumishin Net Bank (SSNB), and the latter has resolved at its board of directors meeting held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 to express its opinion in support of the tender offer, and to recommend that the SSNB's shareholders tender
Weekly
Welcome to the one hundred thirteenth edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. When I joined an investment bank in 2000, we had afternoon fruit baskets. These disappeared after the internet bubble burst, and even before 9/11 happened. A few years later, fruit baskets made a comeback, only to be
japan
When Mizuho released its earnings announcement on May 15, the market response was rather muted, with the closing price down 2% on May 16th while the TOPIX was flat, despite a positive surprise: the introduction of a new shareholder return strategy focused on increasing dividends and targeting a payout ratio
banking
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities (MUMSS) have launched MUMSS’ subsidiary, MUFG Morgan Stanley Credit Solutions, as previously announced in February. The market for private credit has been expanding, particularly in Europe and the United States, and is an alternative investment sector that has attracted
asset management
Mizuho Financial Group, Mercer Japan, and Mercer Investments Japan have entered into a strategic collaboration to offer Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) services in Japan. In September 2024, Goldman Sachs, through its asset management division Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM), launched an OCIO business, and offered this service first to
banking
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and its consolidated subsidiary, MUFG Bank, have entered into a partnership agreement with Sakana AI, an AI R&D company, and have retained Ren Ito, COO of Sakana AI, as AI Advisor. Under the partnership agreement, MUFG Bank and Sakana AI will establish a
Weekly
Welcome to the one hundred twelfth edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. We are almost through earnings season, with mainly the three mega insurers scheduled for this week. So you will find quite a few highlights of financial results in this edition, and we are hosting a webinar on Tuesday,
banking
Mizuho Financial Group has released its financial results for FY24 (ending in March 2025), showcasing a year of significant progress and notable achievements. The organization has demonstrated a solid increase overall, primarily driven by larger non-interest income and a positive impact from the Bank of Japan's rate
banking
MUFG concluded the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, showcasing a complex picture of both challenges and notable successes. While Net Operating Profits experienced a decrease, the institution witnessed a remarkable surge in customer segments, demonstrating the effectiveness of its customer-centric strategies. This year marked a pivotal point in
banking
SMBC Group reported on its financial performance for the fiscal year ending March 2025 (FY3/2025). The organization highlighted record achievements, primarily fueled by the robust performance of its core domestic market business. These gains were strategically leveraged to fortify future initiatives and address potential vulnerabilities arising from evolving trade