#Japan #Tokyo #SBI Securities #400F #SBI Money Plaza

Strategic Business Agreement Between 400F and SBI Group

In a significant move within Japan's FinTech landscape, 400F Co., Ltd. has announced the signing of a foundational agreement for a capital business partnership with SBI Securities Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary, SBI Money Plaza Co., Ltd. This collaboration aims to leverage the respective strengths of each company to elevate the standards of financial service offerings.

Objective of the Capital Business Partnership

Founded in November 2017, 400F operates with the mission of resolving financial issues through direct engagements. The startup combines expertise from certified financial professionals with innovative online services, including their flagship Okane-co platform. This platform connects users with financial products, career opportunities, and real estate while also engaging with large financial institutions to optimize communication with customers.

SBI Securities, a leading online brokerage firm boasting over 14 million clients, stands on the principles of customer-centric service, offering a plethora of financial products with some of the lowest industry fees. Its distinctive open alliance strategy, aimed at consolidating partnerships both within and outside the SBI Group, enhances its service offerings tailored for both novice and seasoned investors.

On the other hand, SBI Money Plaza complements these services by providing a wide array of financial products, from securities and funds to insurance and housing loans, taking advantage of both online and offline channels to deliver bespoke financial advice.

Together, the synergies created by partnering 400F, SBI Securities, and SBI Money Plaza are expected to enrich the overall corporate value of all three entities. Subject to regulatory approvals, 400F is slated to become a consolidated subsidiary of SBI Securities.

Details of the Business Cooperation

1. Enhanced Consulting Services: 400F and SBI Securities have previously collaborated on online investment consultation services for select clients. Given the favorable feedback and high satisfaction scores from clients, they will expand this initiative. The collaboration will include enhanced security measures and comprehensive support services with access to 400F's investment advisors and similar capabilities at SBI Money Plaza.

2. Collaborative Value Enhancement: Through 400F's Okane-co service—combined with generative AI and data analytics—new solutions will be developed to optimize customer experiences in financial services. Tools like Okane-co Chat, Okane-co AI Chat, and Okane-co Analytics will not only be used within SBI Securities but also offered to third-party financial institutions affiliated with the SBI Group.

3. Joint Marketing Initiatives: Leveraging both company resources, they will implement personalized marketing strategies through various services. This includes the online Okane-co platform for family budgeting consultations and the Okane-co Magazine, which provides essential financial information on topics such as retirement planning and housing loans. 400F's expertise in data-driven financial services will be shared with SBI Securities, aiming to enhance service delivery through these platforms.

Company Profiles

400F Co., Ltd.

• - CEO: Jin Nakamura
• - Location: Nihonbashi Kabutocho, Tokyo, Japan
• - Established: November 1, 2017
• - Capital: 100 million JPY
• - Services: Okane-co platform, enterprise optimization services, and insurance comparison tools
• - Website: 400F

SBI Securities Co., Ltd.

• - CEO: Masato Takamura
• - Location: Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan
• - Established: 1999
• - Capital: 54.3 billion JPY
• - Services: Comprehensive online brokerage
• - Website: SBI Securities

SBI Money Plaza Co., Ltd.

• - CEO: Tomohiko Ota
• - Location: Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan
• - Established: March 31, 2008
• - Capital: 100 million JPY
• - Services: Diverse financial product intermediations, insurance, investment advisory services
• - Website: SBI Money Plaza

This partnership exemplifies a strategic approach to empowering individual financial growth and propelling the innovation of financial services in Japan.