
Mizuho Financial Group is a Japanese banking holding company that was formed in 2002 through the merger of Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Fuji Bank, and Industrial Bank of Japan.
Mizuho Financial Group is the third-largest bank in Japan and one of the largest financial institutions in the world.
The group has a long history dating back to 1873, when Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank was founded.
It has over 900 branches and more than 53,000 employees worldwide.
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Company Overview
Mizuho Financial Group is a Japanese financial institution with a rich history dating back to the early Meiji era. It was formed by the merger of several banks, including Dai-Ichi Bank, which was established in 1873.
The group's predecessors also include Nippon Kangyo Bank (est. 1897) and Industrial Bank of Japan (est. 1902), two institutions founded as policy banks in the Meiji era and converted into commercial banks after World War II.
Here are some key predecessors of Mizuho Financial Group:
- Nippon Kangyo Bank (est. 1897)
- Industrial Bank of Japan (est. 1902)
Mizuho Financial Group has a diverse range of products and services, including ordinary deposits, time deposits, working capital loans, and real estate services.
History

Mizuho's history is a fascinating tale of Japanese financial history, dating back to the early Meiji era. The company's roots can be traced back to 1873 with the establishment of Dai-Ichi Bank, Japan's first modern bank and joint-stock company led by Shibusawa Eiichi.
The 3rd National Bank was licensed in 1873 with a plan to establish a bank in Osaka, but it ended up being established in Tokyo in 1876. It merged with multiple other banks in 1923 to form Yasuda Bank, which was later renamed Fuji Bank in 1948.
Mizuho also incorporates the 6th National Bank, established in 1877 in Fukushima, which was relocated to Tokyo in 1892 and merged into the 9th Bank in 1907.
The 9th National Bank was established in 1877 in Kumamoto and absorbed the 6th Bank in 1907, becoming the Higo Bank. It later merged with the 3rd Bank and others to form Yasuda Bank in 1923.
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Here's a brief overview of some of the key milestones in Mizuho's history:
- 1873: Dai-Ichi Bank is established
- 1876: 3rd National Bank is established in Tokyo
- 1877: 6th, 9th, and 20th National Banks are established
- 1878: 36th, 40th, 41st, 44th, 58th, 64th, 82nd, 84th, 87th, and 103rd National Banks are established
- 1879: 130th and 136th National Banks are established
The group's predecessors also include Nippon Kangyo Bank (established in 1897) and Industrial Bank of Japan (established in 1902), two institutions founded as policy banks in the Meiji era and converted into commercial banks after World War II.
Founding Merger
Mizuho was established in 2000 as Mizuho Holdings, Inc. by the merger of Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Fuji Bank, and the Industrial Bank of Japan.
This merger created the world's first trillion-dollar banking group with $1.2 trillion in assets, surpassing the next largest bank by about $480 billion.
The merger was announced in 1999 and was the first financial holding company structure created among major Japanese banks.
Mizuho Corporate Bank focused on large corporations, financial institutions, and public sector entities in Japan and overseas, while Mizuho Bank focused on individuals and small and medium-sized companies in Japan.
The name "Mizuho" means "new, bountiful, and rich harvest of rice" in Japanese, chosen for its significance in Japanese culture.
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Mizuho was composed of three relatively equal institutions in terms of their size and influence, making it a unique mega-institution in the financial industry.
The merger resulted in a significant expansion of lending operations, with Mizuho controlling about 50% of the syndicated loans market at the time.
Mizuho also launched one of the first Internet-based securities products in 2000, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. took over the operations of Mizuho Holdings in 2003, and by 2005, all subsidiaries of Mizuho Holdings were transferred to the direct control of Mizuho Financial Group.
Financial Performance
Mizuho Financial Group has a significant presence in the Japanese banking industry, with a history dating back to 1880.
The group's financial performance has been impressive, with net income exceeding 1 trillion yen in 2020.
Mizuho's asset base has grown steadily over the years, reaching 444 trillion yen in 2020.
The group's profit margin has also been strong, averaging around 20% in recent years.
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Mizuho's revenue has been driven by its diverse range of business segments, including banking, securities, and asset management.
The group's net interest income has been a significant contributor to its revenue, accounting for around 40% of total revenue in 2020.
Mizuho's non-interest income has also been a key driver of revenue growth, with fees and commissions from its securities and asset management businesses contributing significantly.
The group's operating expenses have been well-managed, with costs as a percentage of revenue averaging around 50% in recent years.
Mizuho's return on equity (ROE) has been around 10% in recent years, indicating a moderate level of profitability.
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Competitor Analysis
Mizuho Financial Group has some notable competitors in the Japanese financial industry. One of them is Japan Post Holdings Co Ltd, which has a significantly larger number of employees, with 225,718 personnel on its roster.
Both Mizuho Financial Group and Japan Post Holdings Co Ltd are headquartered in Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. They also share the same city and state/province.
Here's a comparison of the number of employees among some of Mizuho Financial Group's competitors:
ICT Spend & Priorities

Understanding your competitors' ICT spend and priorities is crucial for making informed business decisions. IT Client Prospector provides intelligence on Mizuho Financial Group Inc’s likely spend across technology areas.
This intelligence enables you to understand the digital strategy of your competitors. The specific areas of likely spend are not specified in the provided article section facts.
To stay ahead in the market, it's essential to keep an eye on your competitors' ICT spend and priorities.
Compare to Competitors
In the world of Japanese financial institutions, a few key players stand out. Mizuho Financial Group Inc, Japan Post Holdings Co Ltd, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc, and Nomura Holdings Inc are all major players.
Let's take a look at their headquarters. All five companies are based in Japan, with their headquarters located in Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo.
Here's a brief comparison of their employee numbers: Mizuho Financial Group Inc has 53,185 employees, Japan Post Holdings Co Ltd has a whopping 225,718 employees, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc has 158,132 employees, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc has 123,326 employees, and Nomura Holdings Inc has 26,850 employees.
In terms of entity type, all five companies are publicly traded.
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Controversies

Mizuho Financial Group has faced its share of controversies. In September 2013, a regulatory control unveiled that the company enabled loans of up to $1.9 million to the yakuza, Japan's infamous mafia.
This scandal led to the resignation of the group's CEO, Takashi Tsukamoto. The incident highlighted the need for financial institutions to maintain strict anti-money laundering measures.
In a more recent development, Mizuho was named the top private lender to coal developers between January 2017 and September 2019. This has sparked concerns about the company's environmental impact.
A Japanese NGO, Kiko Network, filed a climate-related shareholder resolution with Mizuho in March 2020, proposing that the company align its investments with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The resolution received investor support.
Mizuho has since agreed to end all existing loans for coal projects by 2050 and not finance any further coal projects. This move demonstrates the company's commitment to environmental responsibility.
Key Information

Mizuho Financial Group is a Japanese banking holding company that was established in 2002 through the merger of Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Fuji Bank, and Industrial Bank of Japan. It is one of the largest banks in Japan.
Mizuho Financial Group is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The group has a significant presence in Asia, with operations in countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asia.
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Retail
Mizuho has a significant presence in retail banking with 515 branches across Japan.
These branches are complemented by over 11,000 automated teller machines (ATMs) that customers can use to access their accounts.
Mizuho Bank is unique in that it has branches in every prefecture in Japan, a feat only matched by Japan Post Bank.
The bank serves a vast number of customers, including over 26 million Japanese households.
It also caters to 90,000 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) customers and 2,500 corporations.
Additionally, Mizuho offers retail brokerage services to clients nationwide through Mizuho Investors Securities.
As of 2016, the bank managed $114 billion in retail customer assets.
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Global Corporate

Mizuho's predecessors, the Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, the Fuji Bank, and the Industrial Bank of Japan, had significant control over many Japanese companies through the keiretsu system.
The three banks led the DKB Group, Fuyo Group, and the IBJ Group respectively.
Mizuho's history is deeply rooted in the old Yasuda zaibatsu, which dates back a long time.
Seven out of ten companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange have dealings with Mizuho.
Services
Mizuho offers a wide range of services for its customers. One of the key services is current accounts, which allow individuals and businesses to manage their finances.
Domestic and international cash cards are also available, providing users with a convenient way to make transactions.
For those who need to send money abroad, Mizuho's international money transfer service is a reliable option.
In addition to these services, Mizuho also offers credit cards, saving accounts, and loans to help customers meet their financial needs.
Here are some of the key services offered by Mizuho:
- Current accounts
- Domestic and international cash cards
- International money transfers
- Credit cards
- Saving accounts
- Loans
News and Events

Mizuho Financial Group has a significant presence in the global financial market, with a history dating back to 1880. The company has undergone several mergers and acquisitions, including the merger with Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank in 2002.
Mizuho Financial Group operates in over 30 countries worldwide, providing a wide range of financial services to its clients. The company's international presence is a testament to its ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
Mizuho Financial Group has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, with a focus on reducing its environmental impact and promoting social welfare initiatives. The company's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) efforts are guided by a set of clear principles and goals.
Mizuho Financial Group has a significant presence in the Japanese market, with a network of over 800 branches and offices. This extensive network allows the company to provide convenient and personalized service to its clients.
The company's financial performance is strong, with a net income of ¥1.3 trillion in 2020. This financial performance is a result of the company's diversified business operations and its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
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Structure and Affiliates

Mizuho Financial Group has a clear structure, which is divided into four distinct divisions on a global basis: Mizuho Bank, Mizuho Capital, Corporate, Retail, Asset & Wealth Management, and Strategy Affiliates.
These divisions are the backbone of the company, and they work together to provide a wide range of financial services.
Mizuho Financial Group also has a number of subsidiaries, which are companies that are fully or partially owned by Mizuho. Some of these subsidiaries include Mizuho Bank, Mizuho Trust Bank, Mizuho Securities, and Mizuho Research Institute.
Here's a list of some of the subsidiaries mentioned in the article:
- Mizuho Bank (100% stake)
- Mizuho Trust Bank (100% stake)
- Mizuho Securities (95.8% stake)
- Mizuho Research Institute (100% stake)
- Mizuho Information Research Institute (100% stake)
- Asset Management One (51% stake)
- Mizuho Private Wellness Management (100% stake)
This shows that Mizuho has a significant presence in various areas of the financial sector, and it's interesting to see the different levels of ownership and involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mizuho a good investment bank?
Mizuho is a reputable investment bank that has achieved notable success in recent years, including a top 10 ranking in LSEG's investment banking league table. Its expertise in underwriting and M&A advisory services, as seen in high-profile deals like Arm's IPO, suggests a strong track record in the industry.
Is Mizuho the same as MUFG?
No, Mizuho is one of Japan's megabanks, but it is not the same as MUFG, which is another major Japanese bank. While both are major financial institutions, they are separate entities with distinct services and offerings.
What is Mizuho Financial Group ranked in Japan?
Mizuho Financial Group is Japan's third-largest megabank, with total assets of $1.9 trillion as of end-March 2023. It trails behind Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and SMBC Group in terms of asset size.
Sources
- https://www.globaldata.com/company-profile/mizuho-financial-group-inc/
- https://www.cbinsights.com/investor/mizuho-financial-group
- https://en.namu.wiki/w/%EB%AF%B8%EC%A6%88%ED%98%B8%20%ED%8C%8C%EC%9D%B4%EB%82%B8%EC%85%9C%20%EA%B7%B8%EB%A3%B9
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mizuho_Financial_Group
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mizuho_Bank
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