MUFG Bank and JCB Sign MOU for Comprehensive Strategic Alliance in ASEAN

TOKYO, Japan. July 06, 2026.

This alliance aims to leverage our complementary strengths by utilizing both companies’ customer bases and financial and payment networks to jointly drive business expansion and create new value across ASEAN.

MUFG Bank, Ltd., a consolidated subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., and JCB Co., Ltd., Japan’s only international payment brand, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding a comprehensive strategic alliance in the ASEAN region.

This alliance aims to leverage our complementary strengths by utilizing both companies’ customer bases and financial and payment networks to jointly drive business expansion and create new value across ASEAN.

MUFG Bank, Ltd., a consolidated subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., and JCB Co., Ltd., Japan’s only international payment brand, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding a comprehensive strategic alliance in the ASEAN region.

This alliance aims to leverage our complementary strengths by utilizing both companies’ customer bases and financial and payment networks to jointly drive business expansion and create new value across ASEAN.

Key Areas of Collaboration

1. Strengthening Financial Services for Affluent Customers in ASEAN

Leveraging partnerships with MUFG’s partner banks, we will offer card products that provide exclusive and unique experiences and benefits in Japan for affluent customers in ASEAN. In addition, by linking these card products with financial services, such as deposits and investments, we will deliver enhanced value. As an initial initiative in fiscal year 2026 (ending March 2027), we plan to issue a new premium card in Indonesia, which will be JCB’s highest-tier card ever issued outside Japan.

2. Expansion of Collaboration in the ASEAN Payment Domain

Both companies will explore collaboration between MUFG’s investees in the digital finance sector and JCB’s payment capabilities. Through these efforts, we will consider expanding cross-border payment solutions and mobile services, with the aim of accelerating the development of digital payment ecosystems in ASEAN.

By combining their customer bases and payment expertise, the two companies will promote the advancement of financial services and create new business opportunities and synergies.

Building Partnerships with Japanese Companies and Promoting Japan as a Tourism-Oriented Nation

This alliance aims to establish and expand a “Japan-led financial and payment partnership platform” centered on MUFG Bank and JCB in ASEAN. Building on this foundation, we will broaden partnerships not only with partner banks and digital financial players but also with a wide range of Japanese companies, thereby enhancing the global reach of Japanese brands and services.

Beyond financial and payment services, the alliance will drive new business creation through collaboration with Japanese companies and contribute to strengthening Japan’s presence in ASEAN.

Through these initiatives, both companies aim to help build a new economic sphere connecting ASEAN and Japan, while supporting efforts to further position Japan as a leading tourism destination.

Future Developments

Based on this MOU, both companies will move forward with concrete initiatives. Leveraging this alliance, we will further expand partnerships with Japanese companies and strive to achieve sustainable growth and create new value in ASEAN.

Source Link: https://www.bk.mufg.jp/global/newsroom/news2026/pdf/newse0706_1.pdf

SCBX Partners with Chulalongkorn University to Advance Quantum Technology

BANGKOK, Thailand. 08 May, 2026

Accelerating Thailand’s Technological Infrastructure and Shaping the Future of Financial Services

SCB X Public Company Limited (SCBX) today announced a strategic partnership with Chulalongkorn University, represented by its Faculty of Science and Siam Quantum Square (SQ²), through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The collaboration aims to drive research and development (R&D), and real-world applications of quantum technology in the financial sector, while strengthening Thailand’s long-term technological competitiveness.

This partnership reflects SCBX’s strategic ambition to position itself as a regional financial technology leader—advancing innovation not only within its organization, but also contributing to the development of foundational capabilities that will enable Thailand to navigate the next wave of global technological transformation. Quantum technology is widely regarded as a next frontier, with the potential to fundamentally redefine computation, security, and risk management across industries, particularly in financial services.

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, said “Quantum technology represents one of the most transformative forces shaping the future of science, the economy, and society—potentially surpassing even artificial intelligence in its long-term impact. Chulalongkorn University has therefore identified quantum science as a strategic priority, with a strong focus on translating academic research into real-world applications that create tangible economic and societal value.

SCBX’s decision, as a leading innovator in financial services, to partner with the University reflects strong confidence in our research capabilities and talent. This collaboration marks the beginning of a long-term strategic engagement that will deliver high-impact research, cultivate the next generation of quantum professionals, and position Thailand as an emerging regional hub for quantum technology.”

Mr. Kaweewut Temphuwapat, Chief Innovation Officer of SCBX and Chief Executive Officer of SCB 10X, stated “Quantum technology will be a defining wave of transformation with far-reaching implications for the financial industry. At SCBX, our role extends beyond organizational readiness—we are committed to contributing to the development of ‘technological resilience’ at the national level.

Our collaboration with Chulalongkorn University and SQ² provides a structured platform to translate advanced research into real-world applications, spanning frontier research, pilot experimentation, and talent development. We will continue to work closely with partners across academia, regulatory bodies, and global technology leaders to democratize access to knowledge, while laying the foundations of a robust and future-ready technological ecosystem for Thailand.”

Advancing Collaboration Through Five Strategic Pillars

Under the framework of this partnership, SCBX and Chulalongkorn University will collaborate across five strategic pillars, spanning the full innovation lifecycle—from research to commercialization and ecosystem development:

1. Frontier Research & Practical Knowledge Creation

Advancing cutting-edge quantum research with a focus on financial applications (“Banking with Quantum”), including high-impact use cases such as portfolio optimization using quantum algorithms and fraud detection through quantum machine learning. The collaboration will ensure that research outputs are translated into practical applications, while contributing to leading international academic publications.

2. Use Case Discovery & Pilot Validation

Systematically identifying and assessing high-potential quantum use cases through structured discovery processes, followed by targeted pilot programs to validate both technical feasibility and business impact in controlled environments before scaling.

3. Talent & Capability Development

Developing a robust talent pipeline through internship programs, institutional exchanges, and structured mentorship initiatives—bridging academic theory with industry practice and strengthening Thailand’s long-term capabilities in quantum technologies.

4. Ecosystem Building & Industry Activation

Fostering a national quantum ecosystem through industry workshops, Quantum Industry Day events, and innovation challenges, with the objective of accelerating technology adoption and enabling commercially viable innovation.

5. Strategic Foresight & Public Engagement

Co-developing the “SCBX Quantum Outlook” report to provide forward-looking insights into the evolution of quantum technologies, alongside public engagement initiatives aimed at raising awareness and enhancing national readiness.

This partnership represents a significant milestone in bridging academia and industry to advance frontier technologies. By combining SCBX’s expertise in financial innovation with Chulalongkorn University’s academic leadership, the collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of a robust quantum ecosystem in Thailand and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the global technology landscape.

About SCB X PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED (SCBX)

SCBX is the mothership of the financial technology business group, comprising 13 subsidiary companies that operate across three key business pillars: Banking Business, Consumer and Digital Finance Business, and Platform and Technology Business. In addition, SCBX also focuses on Climate Technology, aspiring to become ‘The Most Admired Regional Financial Technology Group’. The company conducts its business with flexibility and prudence in governance and risk management and has possesses the potential to compete equally in global competitions.

About Siam Quantum Square (SQ²)

Siam Quantum Square (SQ²), under the Faculty of Science at Chulalongkorn University, serves as Thailand’s leading center for quantum research and development. Its mission is to advance frontier research, develop highly skilled talent, and foster collaboration between academia and industry to build a sustainable national quantum ecosystem.

Source Link: https://investor.scbx.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/193165/scbx-partners-with-chulalongkorn-university-to-advance-quantum-technology

Rate decision May 2026

OSLO, Norway. May 7, 2026

At its meeting on 6 May 2026, the Committee decided to raise the policy rate from 4% to 4.25%.

Policy rate raised to 4.25%

Norges Bank’s Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Committee decided to raise the policy rate from 4% to 4.25% at its meeting on 6 May. The monetary policy outlook does not appear to have changed materially since the monetary policy meeting in March, but there is substantial uncertainty about future economic developments.

At the monetary policy meeting in March, the Committee’s assessment was that it would likely be appropriate to raise the policy rate at one of the forthcoming monetary policy meetings. Unexpectedly high inflation and higher wage growth prospects than previously assumed implied that inflation would become higher than the Committee had envisaged. The increase in oil and gas prices due to the war in the Middle East could push up inflation further. At the same time, the Committee placed emphasis on the fact that it was difficult to assess underlying inflation pressures, and that the uncertainty surrounding oil and gas prices was unusually elevated. The Committee therefore wanted to await further information on the prospects for inflation.

“The Committee judged it appropriate to raise the policy rate at this meeting. Inflation is too high and has run above target for several years. The information on the inflation outlook we have received in recent weeks supports the analyses we presented in March”, says Governor Ida Wolden Bache.

Since the March monetary policy meeting, the Committee has noted the following:

• The war in the Middle East is still causing substantial uncertainty about the economic outlook. The temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran has not yet led to normal shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil spot prices remain elevated, and futures prices are little changed since March. Gas prices have fallen, while various other commodity prices have risen. Overall external price pressures appear to be slightly stronger than expected in March.

  
  

• In Norway, inflation has been broadly as projected. Twelve-month CPI inflation rose to 3.6% in March, while CPI inflation adjusted for tax changes and excluding energy products (CPI-ATE) was unchanged at 3%. In this year’s wage settlement agreement, the norm for wage growth in manufacturing was set at a level close to our March projection of overall annual wage growth. The krone has appreciated and is stronger than assumed. A stronger krone will dampen imported price inflation.

  
  

• Labour market developments have overall been broadly as expected, and capacity utilisation still appears to be close to a normal level. Preliminary figures for the number of salaried employees indicate that employment has increased further in recent months, while registered unemployment is unchanged. According to LFS data, unemployment has increased slightly so far this year.

  
  

The Committee’s assessment is that the outlook for the Norwegian economy has not changed materially since the monetary policy meeting in March. Inflation is too high, and there are prospects that inflation will remain elevated ahead. High inflation over time can lead firms and households to plan for persistently high inflation. It may then become more difficult to bring inflation down again. The Committee judges that a higher policy rate is needed to return inflation to target within a reasonable time horizon.

The policy rate forecast presented in March indicated an increase in the policy rate to between 4¼% and 4½% by the end of the year. The monetary policy outlook does not appear to have changed materially since that time.

“The policy rate forecast presented in March implied the potential need for further tightening of monetary policy later this year. The monetary policy outlook does not appear to have changed materially since March, but the war in the Middle East is still causing substantial uncertainty about the economic outlook”, says Governor Ida Wolden Bache.

If the economy takes a different path than currently envisaged, the policy rate path may also differ from that implied by the forecast in the previous Report.

New forecasts were not prepared for this meeting. Monetary Policy Report 2/26 will be published together with the policy rate decision on 18 June 2026.

Rate effective from 8 May 2026:

• Policy rate: 4.25%

• Overnight lending rate: 5.25%

• Reserve rate: 3.25%

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Contact:

Press telephone: +47 21 49 09 30

Email: presse@norges-bank.no

Source Link: https://www.norges-bank.no/en/topics/monetary-policy/Monetary-policy-meetings/2026/may-2026/?tabs=160713

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