Hello! Today, on May 29, 2025, reports emerged that NTT Docomo has finalized its policy to make Sumishin SBI Net Bank a subsidiary, attracting significant attention across the financial and telecommunications industries. This move marks Docomo’s aim to enter the banking business in earnest, and its future developments will be highly anticipated.

Docomo to Make Sumishin SBI Net Bank a Subsidiary

NTT Docomo has finalized its policy to make Sumishin SBI Net Bank a subsidiary and is reported to be planning a take-over bid (TOB) to acquire approximately two-thirds of the outstanding shares. Currently, SBI Holdings and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank each hold approximately 34% of Sumishin SBI Net Bank’s shares. In this transaction, SBI Holdings is expected to sell all of its shares to Docomo, while Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank will remain as a shareholder.

Docomo’s Aim: Strengthening Non-Telecom Sectors and Expanding Its Economic Zone

With the growth of the telecommunications business slowing down due to the maturity of the smartphone market, Docomo has positioned the reinforcement of non-telecom fields, such as finance and payments, as a pillar of its strategy. The acquisition of Sumishin SBI Net Bank as a subsidiary represents a full-scale entry into banking and is believed to be aimed at expanding Docomo’s economic ecosystem. This will enable Docomo to offer new services integrating telecommunications and finance, which is expected to enhance user convenience.

SBI Holdings’ Intent: Early Repayment of Public Funds

Meanwhile, SBI Holdings aims to fully repay approximately 330 billion yen in public funds held by its subsidiary, SBI Shinsei Bank. SBI Holdings repaid approximately 100 billion yen in March this year and has indicated a policy to repay the remaining 230 billion yen early through asset sales and other means. The sale of Sumishin SBI Net Bank’s shares is seen as part of this plan.

Future Developments and Key Points

NTT Docomo and Sumishin SBI Net Bank are expected to discuss this matter at their respective board meetings on the 29th. As the public awaits the official announcement, eyes are on future developments. If Docomo’s entry into the banking business is realized, new services combining telecommunications and finance will likely emerge, and user convenience is expected to improve further.

NTT Docomo’s acquisition of Sumishin SBI Net Bank will be a major step toward accelerating the convergence of telecommunications and finance. Let’s keep a close watch on the upcoming official announcements and service rollouts to see what changes they will bring to our daily lives.