As Yamaguchi Financial Group marks its 20th anniversary, it has outlined plans to deepen its wide-area management integration linking Yamaguchi, Hiroshima and Kitakyushu, and to expand functions supporting the growth of regional companies and business succession.
Yamaguchi Financial Group, which marked its 20th anniversary, looked back on its history of strengthening the financial foundations of three local markets through management integration across prefectural borders, and indicated that it intends to continue pursuing value creation across a wider economic region. Director and Executive Officer Kodo Tatsuya (古堂達也) and others said the group plans to strengthen its role in supporting regional growth by expanding assistance and information services for business partners across regional boundaries.
Over the past 20 years, total assets have grown to more than approximately ¥13 trillion, deposits have increased by approximately 1.7 times and loans by approximately 1.8 times. The group has also expanded the functional integration of its three banks covering Yamaguchi, Hiroshima and Kitakyushu. During this process, it established group-wide capabilities in consulting, business succession and investment, while maintaining its brand as a regional flagship and integrating its human resources and planning functions.
Against a backdrop of continuing population decline, the challenge going forward will be how far the group can translate its efforts into growth for regional companies. President and CEO Mukunashi Keisuke (椋梨敬介) stressed the need to use the trust and network built up over the years to give concrete form to the creation of economic value across the wider region. Further enhancement of capabilities and execution will be required while preserving the group's regional brand.
Looking ahead, Yamaguchi FG has indicated that it plans to establish funds combining equity investment and human resources support, and to promote initiatives related to regional revitalisation. Through these initiatives, the group is expected to strengthen its role in supporting the growth of regional companies while deepening the relationship among the three banks.