venture capital
Japanese financial conglomerate SBI Holdings is accelerating its expansion into the Middle East, co-leading an investment in the Saudi Arabian digital microfinance startup Muhlah Zamaniyah for Finance. Executing the deal through a subsidiary, SBI partnered with Riyadh-based startup studio BIM Ventures as co-lead investors. The financial terms of the investment
tokyo metropolitan government
The 2025 Tokyo Financial Award winners—Impact Circle, Clarity AI, Japan Asset Management Platform Group, Myna Wallet, EduCare, and Henry could provide functional components of a broader structural reorganization of the Japanese financial landscape. As the Tokyo Metropolitan Government intensifies its "Global Financial City: Tokyo" initiative, these six
regional banks
Regional Financial Institutions (RFIs) are the cornerstone of Japan's local economies. As outlined in the "Working Group on Strengthening Regional Financial Capabilities" draft report, their role extends beyond simple financing to become a driving force for regional economic vitality. However, their capacity to fulfill this critical
venture capital
Funds has completed a Series E funding round, raising a total of 1.83 billion yen. The round was led by "SMBC-GB Growth No. 1 Investment Limited Partnership," jointly operated by Global Brain Corporation and SMBC Edge Corporation. Other investors include Asset Management One, one of Japan'
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
mergers & acquisitions
Gojo & Company further expanded into Uzbekistan through the acquisition of a 9.8% stake in JSC Renesans mikromoliya tashkiloti (Renesans). Gojo will support Renesans to continue pursuing its mission of delivering and developing tailored microfinance services through traditional and modern channels to people in rural areas. Renesans is committed
social lending
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has concluded an investment agreement with AGL Holding (Agrolend), a Brazilian digital bank financing the agricultural sector in the country. This project aims to contribute to improving the financial access and agricultural operations of small and medium-sized farmers in Brazil, while increasing the productivity
mergers & acquisitions
Gojo & Company has entered into an agreement to acquire an additional 16.6% stake in JSC Credo Bank from Triodos Microfinance Fund and Triodos Fair Share Fund (managed by Triodos Investment Management BV). This follows Gojo’s initial acquisition of 16.8% stake in December, bringing its total ownership
banking
Mongolia's Golomt Bank today announced its second successful loan arrangement from Saison Investment Management Private Limited (SIMPL). SIMPL is the cross-border lending arm of Saison International, the international headquarters of Japan’s Credit Saison, a global financial company that is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The proceeds
social lending
Gojo & Company announced that the global non-profit organization B Lab Global™ issued a "B Corp™" certification for Gojo as of January 2025, demonstrating its dedication to creating a positive effect with its business activities. SATYA, Ananya, and Prayas in India, alongside seven other group companies of Gojo,
banking
Gojo & Company, on a path to become Japan's next FinTech unicorn, has expanded into Georgia with the acquisition of 16.8% stake in JSC Credo Bank, the country’s fifth-largest commercial bank. Credo transformed from a microfinance organization into a full-fledged bank after obtaining a banking license
korea
SBI Savings Bank stands out as a leader in fulfilling the original mission of savings banks: revitalizing low-income finance. Its commitment is evident across numerous initiatives designed to support financial inclusion and consumer well-being. A key area of focus is easing the interest rate burden on ordinary people through accessible