Yomiuri: Newly Launched Docomo FG Aims to Transform Japan's Financial Sector, CEO Says

Dow Jones07-14

NTT Docomo Financial Group Inc. (Docomo FG) intends to establish itself as the "most customer-supported" digital financial group and transform Japan's financial sector, said President and CEO Takashi Hiroi at a press conference last week.

Docomo FG was launched on July 1 as a financial holdings company under NTT Docomo Inc., the largest mobile carrier in Japan, to consolidate group financial businesses such as the company's "d Card" credit card and "d-Barai" smartphone payment services, as well as SBI Sumishin Net Bank Ltd. and Monex Inc.

The following is excerpted from Hiroi's remarks at the press conference held Thursday.

Takashi Hiroi: We are determined to create the most customer-supported digital financial group and transform Japan's financial sector. There is a total of about 19 million "d Card" members, and their transaction volume stands at about 12 trillion yen. The number of "d-Barai" users is about 75 million, with their transaction volume standing at about 4 trillion yen.

At launch, Docomo FG participants include highly specialized companies, such as Docomo SMTB Net Bank (to be renamed from SBI Sumishin Net Bank in August), Monex and Docomo Finance Inc. We now have a framework capable of providing digital financial services in an integrated manner.

The "d Point" service has a customer base of 109 million members. We have access to a diverse range of data, which allows us to understand customer needs and serves as a source for creating new services.

We've noticed that many customers feel anxious about asset management and wealth building, but they are unable to find sufficient sources of advice. We believe the value demanded of the financial (industry) going forward lies in fusing the strengths of both the physical and digital worlds to deliver financial services tailored to each individual customer's lifestyle to as many people as possible.

We will also expand the range of financial services offered at Docomo Shop outlets, applying the customer service expertise we've cultivated at these outlets. We believe this will provide customers with a significant sense of security and lower the barrier to entry for using digital financial services.

Question: You've set a goal to double operating revenue in the business area from 596.5 billion yen in fiscal 2025 to 1.2 trillion yen by fiscal 2030. How do you plan to achieve this goal?

Hiroi: We've now brought together a team dedicated to delivering high-quality digital financial services. We aim to achieve the 1.2 trillion yen target by creating synergies through Docomo Shops, AI tools and other channels.

With interest rates rising, funding costs have risen, but we have more revenue opportunities as well. With the wind at our backs, I believe this is a fully achievable goal.

Question: Could you share your thoughts on agentic commerce?

Hiroi: I believe agentic commerce is a technology that will be used extensively and become widely adopted in the future. We need to integrate AI agents into financial transactions and design our digital platform to make it easier for AI agents to use.

Question: How will you provide AI-powered financial services?

Hiroi: At this point, we plan to offer them with an app that utilizes AI functions provided by Docomo FG.

Question: What are Docomo FG's strengths?

Hiroi: I think there are many customers who feel that digital finance presents a high barrier to entry. I believe the physical channels of Docomo Shops are quite effective. Since we have data on a wide range of customers through services like "d-Barai," "d Card" and mobile phones, I think we can provide very effective advice.

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This article is from The Yomiuri Shimbun. Neither Dow Jones Newswires, MarketWatch, Barron's nor The Wall Street Journal were involved in the creation of this content.

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July 14, 2026 06:18 ET (10:18 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2026 The Yomiuri Shimbun

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