#Japan #Tokyo #Regional Banks #Helpfeel #AI Community

Helpfeel’s Second AI Community Event Focuses on Future Strategies for Regional Banks

On January 27, 2026, Helpfeel, a prominent company based in Kyoto dedicated to building information infrastructure for the AI era, hosted its second event of the 'Helpfeel Regional Bank AI Community' in Tokyo. This event brought together 13 regional banks and 19 participants to address pressing issues such as talent shortages and operational complexity facing regional financial institutions. The aim was to shift from merely adopting AI technology to strategically implementing it for maximizing benefits.

Three Multifaceted Sessions on AI in Regional Banking

Building on discussions from the first event, the second event offered insights from three distinct angles: strategy, market trends, and on-the-ground implementation of AI in regional banks.

The event kicked off with a presentation by Hiroki Akiyama, Helpfeel's Executive Officer and CTO, who discussed the theme 'AI Era Regional Bank Strategies: Key Considerations for Effective AI Utilization by 2026'. His talk underscored the importance of establishing decision-making frameworks and knowledge management essential for regional banks striving to leverage AI for tangible results.

Next, a dialogue session featured Takayuki Hara, Senior Analyst at SMBC Nikko Securities, and Shiho Miya-naga, Helpfeel’s Executive Officer and COO. Their discussion, themed 'Next Trends in Finance from a Global Perspective', delved into structural changes within the financial industry as viewed from capital markets, highlighting the potential long-term impacts of AI.

The final session was led by Naotaka Nomura from Signpost Inc., a company specializing in DX consulting within the financial industry. Leveraging his experiences on both the frontline and as external support, Nomura provided concrete examples of success factors in project implementation, and the roles of both internal teams and external partners.

Roundtable Discussion: Bridging AI Investments and Profits

In the latter part of the event, a dynamic roundtable discussion unfolded. Participants engaged in deep, candid exchanges on topics seldom covered in typical seminars, such as 'Time Frames for Monetizing AI Investments', 'Navigating Vertical Organizations', and 'Establishing a Self-Sufficient Framework'. This unique community setting allowed for the candid sharing of successful case studies, as well as ongoing challenges faced by attendees, creating deeper connections and knowledge sharing among the participant banks.

Event Highlights

• - Theme: The Future of Regional Banks Led by AI
• - Date: January 27, 2026
• - Location: Marigra Akasaka
• - Participating Banks: Includes Ikeda Senshu Bank, Iyo Bank, Ehime Bank, and others (listed alphabetically).
• - Contributors: SMBC Nikko Securities and Signpost Inc.

About the Helpfeel Regional Bank AI Community

This community serves as a collaborative platform for regional banks grappling with common challenges such as talent shortages, operational complexities, and changing regional economies. By focusing on AI, members can pool insights and develop actionable strategies required in the coming era. The goal is to enhance discourse and collectively envision the future of finance and regional societies. For more detailed insights, you can visit the official press release here.

Looking Ahead

Helpfeel is committed to continuing to provide forums like the Regional Bank AI Community where knowledge can be shared regardless of industry boundaries. As organizations transition from 'AI Adoption' to 'AI Utilization', sharing successful examples and practical insights will be vital for advancing societal uptake of AI technologies. The company remains focused on exploring new organizational frameworks that balance operational efficiency with enhanced customer experiences.

To learn more about Helpfeel's community initiatives and past events, visit their community page.

Driving AI Utilization with the AI Knowledge Data Platform

As generative AI and large language models gain traction, it’s vital to consider 'what underpins AI decision-making'. AI cannot function in isolation; it heavily relies on structured reference data. In Japan, there is a noted lag in establishing comprehensive knowledge data compared to Western counterparts, necessitating structured knowledge management for optimal AI functioning. Helpfeel has provided FAQ and knowledge-sharing tools across over 800 sites and aims to build a robust 'AI Knowledge Data Platform' to support a wide range of businesses.

For more details about Helpfeel’s services, visit: Helpfeel Service Site.

About Helpfeel Inc.

• - Founded: December 21, 2007 (Japan office established on December 4, 2020)
• - CEO: Isshu Rakusai
• - Kyoto Office: 110-16 Goshoyahata-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-0023, Japan
• - Tokyo Office: 4th Floor, Sumitomo Realty & Development Yaesu Building, 2-14-1 Hatchobori, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0032, Japan
• - Website: Helpfeel Corporate Site

Helpfeel optimizes knowledge assets held by companies for effective use by AI, forging a new 'information infrastructure' for the AI era. Their approach underpins the success of AI-driven solutions, fostering both operational efficiency and the creation of added value across various industries.