SMBC’s Jenius Bank launches US digital consumer banking business

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) has begun providing personal loans to U.S. residents through Jenius Bank, a division of Manufacturers Bank, a California state-chartered bank that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SMBC Group.

Jenius Bank creates an opportunity for SMBC Group to deepen and expand its U.S. business, providing scale and growth potential in the U.S. consumer banking market. By taking a different approach to conventional banking services, Jenius Bank will operate as a digital bank without physical branches, providing customers with a banking experience that is built on their preferences. Additionally, through its extensive consumer research program, Jenius Bank will proactively incorporate customer feedback while developing and updating its products and services to meet the constantly changing needs of customers.

Jenius Bank intends to become a full-service bank for the U.S. market with additional offerings in the coming months, including a savings product and mobile app.

Therefore, SMBC’s approach to the U.S. market is in stark contrast to MUFG, which exited consumer banking by disposing of Union Bank, and is focusing on creating “a second home market” in South East Asia.

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