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The role of the LEI number in Japan’s banking and financial system
The LEI number (Legal Entity Identifier) is a globally standardised identifier used to uniquely identify legal entities involved in financial transactions. In Japan, the LEI number has gained importance as the country remains one of the world’s largest financial markets, with strong links to international trade, capital markets and cross-border investment flows. Japanese banks operate under a robust regulatory framework overseen by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) and aligned with international standards on transparency and risk management. The LEI enables banks to clearly identify corporate customers, understand group relationships and ensure consistency across internal systems, regulatory reporting and interactions with foreign financial institutions. For companies engaged in international operations or financial market activity, the LEI has become an increasingly relevant element of the banking relationship in Japan.
Business bank account requirements and compliance practices in Japan
Opening a business bank account in Japan involves detailed due diligence and ongoing monitoring. Banks assess the company’s legal structure, business purpose, ownership, management and expected transaction patterns. An LEI number may be requested for corporations involved in securities trading, derivatives, investment activities or cross-border financial transactions. From a compliance perspective, the LEI supports anti-money laundering controls, counter-terrorist financing measures and regulatory reporting obligations. It also allows Japanese banks to exchange corporate identification data more efficiently with overseas counterparties, custodians and market infrastructures, reducing operational risk and enhancing transparency throughout the financial system.
Major Japanese banks and bank-by-bank use of the LEI number
Japan Post Bank is one of the largest banks in Japan by deposits, with an extensive nationwide branch network. While traditionally focused on retail banking, it also provides services to corporate and institutional clients. In cases involving structured financial activity or international transactions, the LEI number may be used to support corporate identification and regulatory alignment.
MUFG Bank (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Bank) is Japan’s largest banking group and a major global financial institution. Serving large corporations, multinational groups and financial institutions worldwide, MUFG operates in a highly regulated international environment. The LEI number plays an important role in its corporate onboarding, capital markets services and global reporting processes, particularly for clients with cross-border exposure.
SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation) is a leading commercial and investment bank with a strong presence in corporate finance, trade finance and global markets. SMBC supports Japanese and international companies operating across multiple jurisdictions. The LEI is commonly used within its compliance and risk management frameworks to ensure accurate identification of corporate clients and counterparties.
Mizuho Bank is another major Japanese megabank, offering comprehensive services to large enterprises, financial institutions and public-sector entities. With significant involvement in securities, derivatives and international financing, Mizuho integrates the LEI into its regulatory reporting and client identification processes, supporting transparency and global regulatory consistency.
Resona Bank focuses primarily on domestic corporate and regional business banking, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. While its client base is largely Japan-focused, regulatory standards still apply, and the LEI number may be relevant for certain corporate profiles or financial transactions. Across Japan’s banking sector, the LEI number contributes to stronger compliance, clearer corporate identification and smoother integration with the global financial system.
MUFG Bank (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Bank) is Japan’s largest banking group and a major global financial institution. Serving large corporations, multinational groups and financial institutions worldwide, MUFG operates in a highly regulated international environment. The LEI number plays an important role in its corporate onboarding, capital markets services and global reporting processes, particularly for clients with cross-border exposure.
SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation) is a leading commercial and investment bank with a strong presence in corporate finance, trade finance and global markets. SMBC supports Japanese and international companies operating across multiple jurisdictions. The LEI is commonly used within its compliance and risk management frameworks to ensure accurate identification of corporate clients and counterparties.
Mizuho Bank is another major Japanese megabank, offering comprehensive services to large enterprises, financial institutions and public-sector entities. With significant involvement in securities, derivatives and international financing, Mizuho integrates the LEI into its regulatory reporting and client identification processes, supporting transparency and global regulatory consistency.
Resona Bank focuses primarily on domestic corporate and regional business banking, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. While its client base is largely Japan-focused, regulatory standards still apply, and the LEI number may be relevant for certain corporate profiles or financial transactions. Across Japan’s banking sector, the LEI number contributes to stronger compliance, clearer corporate identification and smoother integration with the global financial system.