Japan

Mizuho allots $12.95b to finance hydrogen production

The bank noted hydrogen as “key” to decarbonisation of various sectors.

Mizuho’s net income climbs 22% to $4.39b in FY2023

An annual dividend of JPY105 per share has been announced.

Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui mulling stock split

It has not yet decided whether to push through or not, however.

Sumitomo Mitsui Card offers 1.98% merchant fees to SMEs

SMEs in Osaka will also be able to avail of an android terminal for free.

Mizuho Financial Group publishes impact business policy

The policy defines the bank’s course of action on impact-driven businesses.

Japanese banks back fund to develop space industry

SMBC, MUFG, and Mizuho Bank are all named limited partners.

Japan’s SMBC joins JV to support drug discovery start-ups

The bank will own 33.2% of the JV company, which will be established mid-2024.

Mebuki's profits to improve but unrealised losses to rise

Its problem loans ratio is stable due to strong borrower quality.

Rising rates lift profitability of Japan’s 77 Bank

The same rising rates will increase the bank’s unrealized losses on its domestic bonds.

Japanese banks ‘less reluctant’ to finance hostile takeovers: report

Banks are seeing a rise of deals related to unsolicited bids for corporate takeovers.

16 foreign e-wallets now accepted in Japan through Alipay+

Alipay, KakaoPay,  Touch ‘n Go, GCash and TrueMoney are the most popuar.

Japan’s policy rate may rise to 0.25% by end-2025: Fitch

Regional banks will not benefit much from rising interest rates, however.

Mobile tap payments produces least carbon emissions vs cash and ATMs: study

ATMs make up a bulk of carbon emissions, at 7.14g CO2e per transaction.

Japan banks clinch $1.98b boost in interest income after policy shift

But a rise in deposit rates presents risks, analysts warned.

Banks fine but SMEs at risk by Japan's 'historic' policy shift

SMEs may see more challenges from the higher interest rates and higher wages.

Japan exits negative interest rate policy on record wage hikes

With salaries rising by 5.28% on average, the BOJ sees cycle of wages and prices more “solid”.