Money Forward X Partners with Minami-Nippon Bank for Business DX Services

Introduction

Money Forward X, known for its innovative financial solutions, has officially announced a partnership with Minami-Nippon Bank to deliver its Mikatano series of digital transformation (DX) services to local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The launch is set for June 5, 2025, aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies and addressing the challenges faced by SMEs in the region.

The Driving Force Behind the Initiative

The decision to implement the Mikatano services stems from the increasing challenges SMEs face, including rising raw material costs and hiring difficulties. A recent survey revealed that nearly 60% of SMEs have yet to embark on their DX journey. Moreover, half of the businesses interested in DX expressed the need to seek external support due to limited resources. It highlights a significant trend where financial institutions are often the first point of contact for SMEs looking for assistance with their operational challenges.

In response, both Money Forward X and Minami-Nippon Bank are prepared to step up and offer robust consulting support. This initiative not only aims to help SMEs overcome their challenges but also seeks to drive the growth of the regional economy.

Overview of the Mikatano Series

The Mikatano series consists of three primary services specifically designed for SMEs:

1. Mikatano Fund Management

The Mikatano Fund Management service allows users to consolidate their financial management without relying on paper passbooks or online banking. With this service, multiple accounts from different financial institutions can be viewed on a single dashboard. The service also seamlessly integrates with the Mikatano Invoice Management, allowing businesses to manage their cash flow effectively by keeping track of expected deposits and withdrawals in real-time.

2. Mikatano Invoice Management

Mikatano Invoice Management is geared towards automating the billing process for SMEs. Users can upload both paper and electronic invoices, and the integrated AI-OCR technology will automatically extract relevant information such as amounts and payment deadlines. It complies with invoice systems and electronic bookkeeping regulations, ensuring that SMEs can manage their invoicing processes accurately and efficiently.

3. Mikatano Works

Mikatano Works serves as a DX support service that enhances daily operations. It provides tools for internal communication, workflow management, and time attendance, all designed with an intuitive user interface to simplify the digitalization process for those less familiar with technology. This service enables SMEs to take their first steps towards digital transformation.

The Mission of Money Forward X

Money Forward X operates with the mission of making financial services accessible to all. By leveraging account aggregation technology, the company develops various financial institution services that utilize data for a better user experience. Their commitment to innovation in finance ensures that they remain at the forefront of the industry, providing solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers alike.

About Minami-Nippon Bank

Founded in 1913, Minami-Nippon Bank has been a cornerstone of financial support for the local community. Under the leadership of President Akihiro Tanaka, the bank continuously strives to adapt to the challenges faced by customers, making them an ideal partner for the Mikatano series.

Contact Information

For more details on implementing the Mikatano services, interested parties can visit the Money Forward X contact page.

Conclusion

With their combined expertise and commitment to supporting local SMEs, Money Forward X and Minami-Nippon Bank are set to make meaningful contributions to the enhancement of business efficiencies and economic growth in the region. This partnership not only addresses immediate operational challenges but also lays the groundwork for a digitally-enabled future for SMEs.