Video Message by Prime Minister Ishiba for FIN/SUM 2025

Distinguished guests, I am ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan.

Upon the opening of FIN/SUM 2025, I would like to offer my greetings on behalf of the Japanese government. Yesterday marked the start of “Japan Fintech Week,” which aims to drive innovation in fintech. I am truly delighted that FIN/SUM, a core event of this week, is being held today with such great success. I would like to express my gratitude to all of you participating from various parts of Japan and around the world.

Currently, my government is aiming to realize a “growth-oriented” economy led by wage increases and investment.” To achieve this, we must create an environment in which world-leading innovation is constantly generated. The government has pledged to bolster investment in human capital, encompassing support for innovation and startups in strategic domains like AI and quantum computing – areas of Japan’s inherent strengths – and skills development, with digital transformation as a key enabler.

Within the financial industry, we observe an accelerating trend toward employing transformative technologies, such as AI and the blockchain, to deliver improved financial services. The government is dedicated to working with financial innovators, including those gathered here today, by establishing appropriate regulations and fostering business development, so they can confidently pursue their ventures.

Next month, “Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan” opens. This Expo will offer the first full-scale cashless experience at a world exposition, and we expect it to be a hub for fintech innovation. We warmly invite everyone, both domestically and internationally, to visit the Expo.

In addition, the application of cutting-edge technologies is also crucial for the realization of “Regional Revitalization 2.0.” For example, local enterprises facing labor shortages can leverage digital transformation and AI to streamline operations, presenting a compelling solution to these challenges.

Regions are working to create startup ecosystems, vital for the continued growth of new businesses and locally driven innovation. I urge regional financial institutions, crucial to local economies, to take a leading role in driving digital transformation among their clients and across their regions, and to actively support local innovation.

This FIN/SUM welcomes the participation of numerous regional financial institutions. Within “Japan Fintech Week,” events are also being hosted in Osaka, Fukuoka, and Kofu. With many domestic and international fintech firms, local governments, and academic institutions represented at FIN/SUM, we anticipate that stakeholders from business, academia, government, finance, labor, and media will work together to achieve “Regional Revitalization 2.0,” vitalizing local economies and empowering them as a primary driver of economic expansion.

With the rapid digitalization of society, the financial sector faces complex challenges that are deeply intertwined with emerging technologies. FIN/SUM provides a crucial forum to discuss these issues, with sessions on topics ranging from establishing a nation based on asset management and creating an international financial center to combating financial crime and ensuring cybersecurity. Lively and productive discussions are anticipated.

In conclusion, I sincerely hope this ninth FIN/SUM will be a catalyst for positive change, helping businesses and individuals build a more prosperous future through finance. Thank you.