We will sincerely engage with our customers and work towards realizing a society that is resilient to change.

After experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy has gradually recovered, but many companies have faced changes in industrial structure. SMEs, who are customers of Shoko Chukin, also face various challenges such as soaring raw material and energy prices, labor shortages, the so-called "2024 problem" in transportation and construction industries, and the need to adapt to digital transformation (DX) and green transformation (GX). We, Shoko Chukin, under the purpose of "Supporting the future of companies. Making Japan more resilient to change," are committed to assisting customers in solving their business management challenges and promoting our own transformation in order to realize a society that is resilient to change.

　We will actively invest in the development of our most valuable management resource, our human capital, as well as DX projects, as essential investments that support our business model. Furthermore, we have fundamentally reviewed our headquarters organization this spring to enhance decision-making speed and establish a system that allows for detailed customer responsiveness. Additionally, we are working towards strengthening our governance to be able to swiftly adapt to changes in the business environment, with the expansion of business scope after privatization also in consideration.

　Through the steady implementation of the Medium-Term Business Plan, which is in its final fiscal year, we have been evolving our business model where "supporting the enhancement of customer's corporate value naturally leads to revenue growth for Shoko Chukin." As a financial institution "by SMEs, for SMEs," we will continue to earnestly engage with our customers and persevere in our own transformation.