A move has been reported to consider easing the condition that SFC-related changes at ANA Holdings would bar lounge access for annual investments of less than ¥3 million. Further reports may reveal a structure in which financial contributions are required to maintain elite membership.
Reports indicate that ANA Holdings is considering revising the existing annual investment criteria for SFC PLUS/LITE membership. It has been suggested that the debate over the current ¥3 million threshold could lead to eased lounge access requirements.
An estimate based on assumptions about land and share prices highlighted a system under which, for example, holding 20,000 shares for at least 3 years would provide Diamond member benefits. It presented the view that “elite-member benefits will depend on the amount invested.”
This development could extend beyond ANA to elite membership programs at East Japan Railway Company and major urban banks, with some suggesting that the trend toward stronger rankings based on asset values and financial asset balances will continue.
Overall, the view was expressed that we are entering an era in which maintaining elite membership will depend not simply on usage frequency, but on financial contributions.