FINOLAB and Dentsu Institute Release 'Japan Financial Innovation Yearbook 2025'

Introduction

On April 30, 2025, FINOLAB, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, alongside Dentsu Institute from Minato, Tokyo, will unveil the much-anticipated publication, the Japan Financial Innovation Yearbook 2025. This yearbook not only showcases the achievements of the Japan Financial Innovation Award (JFIA 2025) but also catalogs all past award-winning companies, providing a comprehensive overview of innovation in the financial sector.

About the Publication

The Japan Financial Innovation Yearbook 2025, developed by FINOLAB with support from Dentsu Institute, will be available in both print and digital formats, priced at ¥1,800 for the printed version and ¥1,200 for the electronic edition (excluding tax). This publication will be sold on-demand and electronically, with availability on platforms such as Amazon, Rakuten Books, and Sanseido Bookstore.

Within its pages, the yearbook details the purpose and selection process of the JFIA, lists all awardees by year, and includes insights and commentary on the winners of the Grand Prize and Outstanding Awards. The insights provided within the yearbook will equip industry professionals and tech enthusiasts with the necessary knowledge to stay abreast of the latest trends in financial innovation and technology.

Understanding the Japan Financial Innovation Award (JFIA)

Established in 2020, the JFIA aims to promote advanced initiatives utilizing information and communication technology in finance and to foster sharing of best practices within the industry. This award system reflects a commitment to open innovation that transcends corporate groups and sectors, facilitating collaboration among a wide array of financial entities.

The JFIA is composed of three categories: Startups, Financial Institutions, and Collaborations. As the hub for fintech innovation in Japan, FINOLAB plays a critical role in organizing the award, evaluating 300 to 500 financial innovation cases annually from press releases. A panel of experts, called FINOVATORS, assess these initiatives based on criteria such as innovation potential, growth prospects, and the ability to transform the financial sector.

Expert Commentary

Mazoru Shibata, CEO of FINOLAB

Mazoru Shibata, the Head of FINOLAB, remarked that JFIA has consistently maintained a non-entry based system. Instead, it honors companies based on innovative practices reflected in their press releases. With hundreds of technology-related press releases each year, selecting cases that introduce novel ideas in technology, business models, and regulatory compliance is not an easy task. As we have accumulated numerous innovation cases over the five years, we determined it was essential to compile these examples and reflect on the financial innovations of the past year through this yearbook.

Takehiko Ichimaru, Executive Officer at Dentsu Institute

Takehiko Ichimaru noted that Dentsu Institute has supported JFIA since its inception, dating back to its previous corporate name. With the transition to Dentsu Institute and its new role as a think tank, Ichimaru has actively contributed to the identification and organization of past projects, underscoring the importance of analyzing trends for unleashing the next wave of innovative ideas. He emphasizes the Institute's ability to leverage specialized knowledge regarding consumer awareness and technological novelty during the project selection process.

Previous Award Winners

The JFIA has recognized a range of innovative projects in recent years. For 2025, the Grand Prize was awarded to East Japan Railway Company and Rakuten Bank for their “JRE BANK” initiative. Other notable past winners include: