DBS and Japan Finance Corporation (JFC), a government-owned financial institution, have signed a MoU to help Japanese SMEs expand into Asia.
This first-of-its-kind partnership allows SMEs to access six key markets—China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Taiwan—through a single banking partner.
The collaboration leverages DBS’ regional expertise and services, including digital cross-border payments, trade financing, and connections to professional service providers offering legal, accounting, and HR support.
JFC will issue standby letters of credit, helping SMEs secure long-term funding in local currencies through DBS, facilitating smoother financial access for subsidiaries in these markets.
This initiative builds on DBS’ established ties with Japan, dating back to 1977 when the bank opened its Tokyo branch.
The formation of DBS Securities Japan in 2016 further expanded its in-country offerings to include securities services.
Tan Su Shan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Group Head of Institutional Banking, DBS, said,
“A recent survey by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) highlights that eight Asian markets – China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam – are among the top destinations for Japanese businesses eyeing future growth.
This MOU represents our commitment to helping Japanese SMEs regionalise and diversify by providing them with the financial and strategic support they need to grow across Asia with confidence.”
Kenzo Yoneda, Senior Managing Director and General Manager, SME Unit, JFC, said,
“With the business alliance with DBS, we have established a strong foundation to support our customers’ financing in DBS’ six core markets.
This will enable our customers to raise funds smoothly overseas and take advantage of DBS’ financial services and extensive overseas network. We are very much looking forward to this business alliance leading to further growth and development of our customers.”
Featured image: Tan Su Shan, Deputy CEO and Group Head of Institutional Banking, DBS, and Kenzo Yoneda, Senior Managing Director and General Manager, SME Unit, Japan Finance Corporation, inked the MoU
