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.
Asia-Pacific
Latest articles from Japan
Beyond the big three: how Japan's smaller banks are faring
October 1, 2015Japan’s smaller banks: a different kind of reinvention
October 1, 2015Narrower 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: a different kind of growth story
September 1, 2015Japan'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.
Japanese banks’ expansion overseas: no place else to go
August 12, 2015G-SIBs threatened with higher leverage ratio
July 2, 2015A higher leverage ratio requirement would prove a challenge to 13 global systematically important banks.
Top 1000 World Banks – Japanese banks struggle to grow in tough environment
June 29, 2015Japan's banks continue to be affected by deflation, showing mixed results in 2015's Top 1000 World Banks ranking.
Sukuk sheds its niche status
November 3, 2014The growth of 'hard' currency sukuk issuance is pushing the market to the next level, as new issuers and new investors flock to the sharia-compliant finance space to capitalise on the growth prospects of emerging economies in the Gulf and Asia.
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ makes Thai powerplay
October 1, 2014Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ's purchase of Thailand-based Bank of Ayudhya last year was indicative of the wealth of opportunities opening up in the south-east Asian economy.
The job of reforming Japan's labour market
October 1, 2014Japan's unemployment rate may be shrinking but behind this headline figure lurks problems such as low labour mobility and excessive reliance on part-time employment. These are deep-rooted issues that new government initiatives are trying to flush out.
Top 1000 World Banks – Japanese lenders endure a challenging year
June 30, 2014Despite increasing profits, the performance of Japan's banks continues to suffer across most metrics.