LINE Corporation (“LINE”) and Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (“Mizuho Financial Group”) announced today that their respective subsidiaries, LINE Financial Corporation (“LINE Financial”) and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (“Mizuho Bank”), have jointly agreed to make an additional investment and a change to the management structure of LINE Bank Preparatory Company.

LINE Financial and Mizuho Bank are taking these necessary steps as they proceed with preparations to establish a user-friendly “smartphone bank” connected to the LINE app, with the aim of establishing a new bank in Japan within the fiscal year 2022, subject to approval by relevant authorities.

Background of additional investment and changes to the management structure

Established in May 2019, LINE Bank Preparatory Company strives to provide financial services via smartphone to meet the needs to users of all ages, as the need for services has grown with the wider use of cashless payments since the spread of COVID-19 and the acceleration of digital transformation. Being developed as the only smartphone-based “main bank,” this bank will be integrated into the LINE app, allowing for utmost convenience for the digital generation.

Details regarding the additional investment and changes to the management structure

In order to further accelerate system development prior to launching the banking service, LINE Financial and Mizuho Bank will make an additional JPY 12 billion investment in LINE Bank Preparatory Company, increasing its capital reserve to JPY 16.5 billion.

Additionally, in order to strengthen cooperation between LINE Financial and Mizuho Bank and reinforce their joint commitment as equal partners, a Co-CEO management structure will be introduced. In addition to the current CEO, a Co-CEO will be appointed by Mizuho Bank, with the remainder of the board comprised of four directors and auditors appointed by LINE Financial and four by Mizuho Bank, further strengthening the governance structure of LINE Bank Preparatory Company. The appointment of the Co-CEO will be announced once a decision is finalized.

Future development

LINE Bank Preparatory Company plans to develop a unique “smartphone bank” connected to the LINE app by building on LINE’s foundation of its 86 million users in Japan, its easy-to-use user interface, and focus on user experience and Mizuho Bank’s extensive know-how in banking. Users will be able to realize a new financial experience that cannot be found with traditional banking services. Instead of having to visit a bank, the new bank aims to become the main banking service that can be used safely and securely, anytime and truly one-stop service in the palm of your hand.

LINE Financial and Mizuho Bank will continue to develop a “smartphone bank” with the user in mind and create a new financial experience in order to provide a high-quality service that is safe and secure.

Following the successful launch of LINE BK in Thailand last year, LINE has further plans in 2021 to expand banking services into other countries, including Taiwan and Indonesia.