Comprehensive Partnership Between Japan Research Institute and ULS Consulting to Drive AI-Based Digital Transformation

Comprehensive Partnership Between Japan Research Institute and ULS Consulting

In a significant move toward digital transformation, Japan Research Institute (JRI) and ULS Consulting have entered a groundbreaking partnership focusing on harnessing artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration is set to launch in April 2026, aiming to bolster the financial services offered by the SMBC Group and foster the creation of next-generation business models.

Background of the Partnership

The shift in societal structures caused by digitalization and globalization has led to an increasing demand for enhanced financial services. To address the diverse needs of today’s society, it is essential to provide not only a safe and secure financial system but also to swiftly deliver new customer value driven by technology. Recognizing this necessity, JRI, which leads various financial services of the SMBC Group with IT, and ULS Consulting, which specializes in supporting the creation of next-gen business models, have decided to combine their technological strengths and expertise to propel the digital transformation of the SMBC Group.

Key Initiatives

Together, the two firms will cooperate on several initiatives to accelerate the growth of the SMBC Group:

1. Establishing an AI-Native Development Model

The new development model will place AI at the core of the development process rather than merely using it as a supplementary tool. This approach will redefine development standards from inception through design, project management, and implementation with AI integration as a prerequisite.

2. Developing a Robust Development Infrastructure and Knowledge Base

Both organizations will establish a solid framework, development platform, and knowledge base that supports AI-driven system development.

3. Training and Reskilling of Specialized Personnel

The partnership aims to develop talent capable of leveraging generative AI and cutting-edge technologies while expanding the pool of specialists responsible for the AI-centered development processes. There will be a concerted effort to fortify business analysts and IT architect capabilities, focusing on skill acquisition and practice integration.

4. Pushing Forward Individual Projects

Collaborating on actual development projects will allow both parties to leverage JRI’s extensive expertise in financial systems and ULS Consulting’s business and technology insights, thereby enhancing the organizational framework further.

Through these initiatives, JRI and ULS Consulting seek to establish a development style rooted in AI application while building a highly capable foundation of talent, thereby significantly enhancing the digital competitiveness of the SMBC Group.

About Japan Research Institute

Japan Research Institute is a comprehensive information services company with three primary functions: think tank, consulting, and IT solutions. As a core entity supporting the IT strategy of the SMBC Group, JRI has a wealth of experience in planning and developing IT-based strategic information systems and outsourcing services for financial institutions.

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About ULS Consulting

ULS Consulting is a consultancy firm that guides businesses through transformation and innovation. Their distinct style involves collaborating closely with clients to drive projects forward, leveraging profound insights into business and technology. Since its establishment in 2000, ULS has tackled a wide array of themes, including business model creation, strategic planning, organizational reform, system planning and development, project management, and the application of advanced technologies.

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