Overseas Businesses
Business Outline
Consumer financial services spreading in Asia
SMBC Consumer Finance is expanding operations overseas, applying the expertise we have gained in Japan in areas such as credit investigation, loan management, business operations, and marketing. We have established local subsidiaries in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and mainland China. Overseas operation of SMBC Consumer Finance has started in Taiwan in 1989. In 1992, PROMISE (HONG KONG) CO.,LTD. has been established as our first local subsidiary of consumer financing business overseas.
PROMISE (HONG KONG) CO.,LTD.
Like in Japan, PROMISE (HONG KONG) offers small unsecured loans with no guarantor to individual customers from its 19 staffed branches (as of June 30, 2023) throughout Hong Kong. Reflecting an increase in transaction needs via the Internet in recent years, PROMISE (HONG KONG) strives to provide even more convenient services by promptly grasping customer needs by introducing the All Online! service in November 2014, for example, to strengthen the loan application function via the Internet.
PROMISE (THAILAND) CO., LTD.
We established PROMISE (THAILAND) in 2004, building up our track record with PROMISE (HONG KONG). PROMISE (THAILAND) aims to become an accessible personal loan company by establishing one staffed branch and service points* in 102 locations (as of June 30, 2023) throughout Thailand and working to enhance sales promotions through TV commercials and Internet advertising. After celebrating 16 years since its establishment in 2005, this subsidiary has more than 300,000 customers using its services today, and is steadily expanding its sales base.
* While customers can carry out the procedures for loan applications, contracts, and repayments at the staffed branch, the simple reception office receives loan applications from customers.
Seven cities in mainland China
After gaining experience in running PROMISE (HONG KONG) and PROMISE (THAILAND), we have established a local subsidiary in seven cities in mainland China. In China, we use a service brand called Bo Min Kuai Yi Dai and are endeavoring to improve customer convenience and expand operations by developing local networks with sales staff and promoting identification through an online platform and the digitalization of contracts. Going forward, we will continue to provide services selected by local customers by tailoring for their needs.
Vietnam FE Credit
In 2021, as part of SMBC Group's Asian multi-franchise strategy, we acquired a 49% stake in FE Credit, the largest consumer finance company in Vietnam. We aim to contribute to FE Credit's further development by leveraging the consumer finance know-how we have cultivated over many years in Asian countries, and to strengthen the growth strategies of both companies by absorbing advanced digital methods and other resources.
Development of a workforce with a global vision
SMBC Consumer Finance places great emphasis on elevating the level of knowledge and skills of local employees to meet the needs of customers in each country and region. We conduct training in Japan on a regular basis, as well as other employee development programs such as training and seminars at each company. We provide training so that employees can observe the full spectrum of operations from sales to loan management in Japan, as well as various other types of training. At the same time, we have also introduced a program for Japanese employees to study abroad before they are dispatched to overseas subsidiaries. This program is designed to help them improve their language skills and their understanding of the culture and values of each region.
Overseas Base(As of June 30, 2023)
Customer loans outstanding (Billion yen)
