#Japan #Tokyo #investment trust #SBI Securities #SMBC

SMBC Group Achieves Significant Investment Trust Milestone

SBI Securities, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has reported that the investment trust balance held through its financial product agency accounts, in collaboration with Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, has surpassed a staggering 2 trillion yen as of August 13, 2025. This milestone represents a remarkable achievement in the realm of financial services in Japan, illustrating the growing trust and engagement from individual investors.

A detailed look at the significant figures indicates that the investment trust balance excludes Money Reserve Funds, foreign currency-denominated Money Market Funds, ETFs, REITs, and foreign investment trusts. This means the impressive figure is purely from traditional investment trusts, highlighting their importance in portfolio management for Japanese investors.

The collaboration between SBI Securities and Sumitomo Mitsui Card began in June 2021 with the launch of investment product agency services. This service introduced the 'Sumitomo Mitsui Card Accumulating Investment,' allowing customers to build their investment portfolios while earning V points through credit card transactions. Additionally, various services have been developed to enhance customer experience, including:

1. SBI Securities V Point Service: A loyalty program where customers accumulate points based on their trading activities.
2. V Point Investment: A system that allows customers to invest accumulated V points in funds, effectively making investing more accessible.
3. V Point Up Program: An initiative that offers additional points when using Sumitomo Mitsui Card at select convenience stores and restaurants, increasing rewards for regular transactions.

These services have garnered positive feedback from customers, leading to the rapid growth of the investment trust balance. By June 2024, just a year after surpassing the initial milestone of 1 trillion yen, the balance experienced significant growth, demonstrating the appetite for investment solutions among the Japanese populace.

Furthermore, starting March 2023, SBI Securities expanded its services by partnering with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation to provide seamless and comprehensive financial services under the SMBC Group’s brand 'Olive.' This holistic approach ensures that individual clients have access to a wide array of financial products and services.

Looking ahead, SBI Securities remains committed to its customer-centric philosophy, aiming to deliver the industry’s lowest fees alongside premier service quality. The firm is dedicated to supporting individual investors in their wealth-building journeys, ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary for successful asset management.

Overall, the surpassing of the 2 trillion yen mark is not just a testament to SBI Securities and its partners’ strategic initiatives but also reflects a growing trend among Japanese investors embracing investment trusts as a core component of their financial portfolio. As the collaboration progresses and the services evolve, it will be intriguing to witness how this impacts the investment landscape in Japan in the coming years.

Disclaimer: Investment involves risks, and it's crucial for interested parties to read all terms, conditions, and risk disclosures before proceeding in any investment activity. Always consult a financial advisor before making significant investment decisions.