Japan FinTech Observer | Tontines | ex-Goldman & Barclays Tech MD
payments
JR Shikoku, Toyo Denki Seizo, and DG Financial Technology have equipped the "On-board Supplementary Ticket Issuance App" used by conductors with QR code payment functionality starting April 1, 2025. This will allow passengers to pay for tickets purchased from conductors on JR Shikoku trains using QR code payment
banking
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company announced that the number of accounts opened for "Olive," a comprehensive financial service for individual customers, has surpassed 5 million. Olive is a completely new service that seamlessly combines bank accounts, card payments, financing, online securities, online insurance, and
crypto
Open House Group, which in February had started accepting cryptocurrency for real estate purchases, has made significant updates to their "Open House Global" portal, designed to enhance convenience for the real estate purchasing experience in Japan for international clients. * Expanded Cryptocurrency Payment Options: In addition to Bitcoin and
Insurance
MS&AD Insurance Group announced that at the Board of Directors meeting held on March 28, 2025, it was decided to proceed with specific discussions and preparations for the merger of two core non-life insurance companies within the group, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance and Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance. The target
lending
European credit specialist AlbaCore Capital Group, a consolidated subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation (MUTB), has launched a new Senior Direct Lending Strategy, having secured anchor investments from a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and MUTB. MUFG aims to strengthen its strategic investments
economics
The SOMPO Institute Plus, the think tank of SOMPO Group, has published its quarterly outlook for the Japanese economy today. The report anticipates a continuation of moderate economic growth, driven by gradually improving real wages and solid corporate performance supporting business investment. However, external demand is expected to remain weak
secure computation
NTT Communications, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Nomura Research Institute, NRI Secure Technologies, and GMO CyberSecurity by Ierae have published the interim report on the "Guidelines for Data Utilization Using Secure Computation." The aim is to promote the understanding and utilization of secure
venture capital
Lazarus AI has successfully secured participation from AllegisNL Capital into its convertible note financing. AllegisNL Capital is a venture capital fund supported by Nippon Life Group, investing in innovative companies at the intersection of technology and insurance or adjacent industries. AllegisNL Capital expects Lazarus AI's technology to further
stablecoin
OwlTing Group partners with GMO-Z.com Trust Company to enhance the accessibility to GYEN, the first regulated Japanese Yen stablecoin. This strategic move aims to provide users with diversified cross-border transaction options in one of the world’s major reserve currencies. By integrating GYEN and ZUSD (USD stablecoin) into the
innovation
SBI Holdings will open the "SBI FinTech Center OSAKA" at the innovation support facility "JAM BASE" in the Umekita district on April 1st. SBI Holdings has been collaborating with Osaka Prefecture and City to realize the International Financial City concept through various initiatives, including: * Providing advisory
payments
Revolut Technologies Japan has launched a new service targeting children and teenagers aged 6 to 17, designed to help them learn financial literacy in a gamified way through daily life experiences. By using separate apps for parents and children, the service provides features that allow learning about money management through
reinsurance
This "Standard Formula" podcast episode by Skadden delves into the intricate landscape of prudential insurance regulation in Japan, a topic gaining traction due to its significant impact on the burgeoning reinsurance market. As part of a year-long series exploring global solvency requirements, the discussion is anchored by Japan&