Building New Financial Business Models Leveraging Fintech

「Through collaboration with Edge Technology Inc., which operates an AI solutions business, we worked to enhance the digital touchpoints with customers, the group’s operations and customers’ operations through the use of AI, and to improve the customer experience.」

「In September last year, we established the AI Solutions Office within the Digital Strategy Department to develop and enhance in-house capabilities in AI technologies such as machine learning, neural networks, deep learning and generative AI, and to consolidate and effectively use expertise within the group.」

「As of 30 October 2024, the date on which settlement of this tender offer commenced, Edge Technology Inc. became a consolidated subsidiary of The Chiba Bank, Ltd.」

「We established the Digital Strategy Department in April last year to oversee the group-wide DX strategy and promote DX across the organization. The Digital Promotion Committee, chaired by the bank’s president, deepened discussions on DX-related issues and responses, enabling DX initiatives to advance rapidly.」

「To improve customer convenience, we added functions such as opening time deposit accounts and paying automobile tax to the Chibagin app, the starting point for transactions. In September last year, we also introduced an app for Apple Watch, the first of its kind among regional banks. In addition, in February this year we launched the Chibagin App One Loan, a cardless card loan for which eligible applicants are limited through advance credit screening.」

「To respond to changes in the operating environment, we identified DX (digital transformation) as a key issue and advanced various measures across the organization, led by the Digital Transformation Department established as a dedicated department in April last year. These efforts to establish a framework for implementing the DX strategy were recognized, and in March this year we were certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as a DX-Certified Business Operator. To improve customer convenience, we added functions such as transfers to other banks, card-loan borrowing and tax and public dues payments to the Chibagin app, the starting point for transactions. In April last year, we also launched the Chibagin Business Portal as a digital channel serving as a hub for services connecting businesses with our bank. In addition, we introduced a virtual data integration tool in July last year to enhance data marketing by identifying latent needs from various internal and external data and making personalized, high-value-added proposals to customers.」

「In April last year, we appointed a Group CDTO to oversee the group-wide DX strategy and established the Digital Promotion Committee, chaired by the bank’s president. We considered and promptly implemented initiatives to create customer services using digital technologies and information resources and improve operational efficiency using RPA and other tools.」

「We focused on advisory services to help customers address management issues and launched recruitment services through our group company Chibagin Career Service Co., Ltd., as well as TSUBASA Chibagin Cashless Merchant Services, which provides comprehensive support for cashless payments.」

「In addition, we began providing various fintech services using the TSUBASA FinTech common platform introduced in April last year. We also pursued collaboration across a broad range of areas, including jointly developing a digital passbook and arranging syndicated loans, including foreign-currency-denominated loans, with TSUBASA Alliance banks.」

「We proceeded with preparations for launching API and fintech services using the TSUBASA FinTech common platform.」

「In addition, last July, the participating banks in the TSUBASA Financial System Enhancement Alliance, namely our bank, The Daishi Bank, The Chugoku Bank, The Iyo Bank, The Toho Bank and The Hokkaido Bank, jointly established T&I Innovation Center Co., Ltd. with IBM Japan, Ltd. to plan and develop new financial services using fintech.」

「In addition, during the cumulative consolidated period through the third quarter, we established T&I Innovation Center Co., Ltd., which became an unconsolidated subsidiary accounted for under the equity method. As a result, as of 31 December 2016, our bank and its affiliates consisted of our bank and 14 subsidiaries, among others.」

「In addition, during the cumulative consolidated period through the second quarter, we established T&I Innovation Center Co., Ltd., which became an unconsolidated subsidiary accounted for under the equity method.」

「We established the Fintech Business Development Office within the Corporate Planning Department to promote the planning of new business models using fintech, an innovative financial IT technology, and collaboration with companies in other industries.」