As Thailand loses some of its allure, Japan’s big banks are following their corporates into Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, using their Thai subsidiaries as strategic partners. Peter Janssen reports.

How is Japanese mega-bank Mizuho growing its investment banking franchise in the Americas? Stefania Palma talks to Mizuho Securities USA's chief executive, John Koudounis, to find out.

Aside from its three mega-banks, Japan has a financial network that includes shinkin banks, co-operative banks and city and regional institutions. Stefania Palma explores how each is responding to Japan’s economic slowdown given their different mandates, structures and resources.

Narrower scopes, smaller balance sheets and limited global footprints are not stopping smaller Japanese banks from reinventing themselves at a time when diversifying revenue sources is key. Stefania Palma assesses their progress.

Japan's mega-banks – Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Mizuho Financial Group – have faced a number of challenges over the past few years, from the country's low-interest-rate environment to its ageing population. However, by diversifying their revenue sources and geographical portfolios, these lenders are managing to defy stagnant domestic conditions.