Aomori Bank (Aomori Michinoku Bank, Ltd.) is a major commercial bank in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, formed on January 1, 2025 by the merger of Aomori Bank and みちのく Bank, headquartered in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. As a subsidiary of Procrea Holdings, the bank, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (symbol: 8342), provides comprehensive financial services to individual and corporate clients, exemplifying the innovation and localization of Japan's regional financial industry.
basic bank information
type: commercial bank
Ownership: Owned by Procrea Holdings (TSE: 8342)
As a commercial bank, Aomori Bank focuses on retail and institutional banking, providing diversified financial solutions based on the integrated financial ecosystem of the parent company.
name and background<
ul style="list-style-type: disc" type="disc">full name: Aomori Michinoku Bank, Ltd
founded: January 1, 2025 (formed by the merger of Aomori Bank and みちのく Bank; The predecessor institution dates back to 1879)
headquarters: Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan
Shareholder Background: Procrea Holdings is a publicly traded company whose shareholders include institutional investors and the general public.
Aomori Bank's history dates back to 1879 when The 59th National Bank was formed, which was later merged and restructured several times to form the bank it is today. In May 2021, Aomori Bank and Aomori Bank announced their intention to merge to jointly establish Procrea Holdings on April 1, 2022, and the merger was approved on December 20, 2024, and Aomori Bank was officially established on January 1, 2025. The merger is the first case in which the Anti-Monopoly Special Measures Act has been applied to the Japanese banking industry, and aims to enhance regional financial competitiveness.
service scope<
ul style="list-style-type: disc" type="disc">coverage area: Mainly covering Aomori Prefecture, Japan, but also with some degree of nationwide coverage, especially in Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture.
Number of offline branches: Before the merger, Aomori Bank had 90 branches, and みちのく Bank had 92 branches, for a total of about 182 branches.
ATM distribution: Through cooperation with other banks, we offer an extensive network of ATMs, the exact number of which is not disclosed, but the coverage is wide to ensure customer convenience.
As a regional bank, Aomori Bank has an extensive branch network in Aomori Prefecture, providing convenient financial services to local residents and businesses.
services and products
for individuals:
>Deposit Accounts: Ordinary deposits, fixed deposits, savings accounts with competitive interest rates.
loans: personal loans, housing loans, education loans, etc., to meet the diverse needs of residents.
investment products: investment trust and wealth management services through cooperation with securities subsidiaries.
payment service: credit card, electronic payment and bill payment are supported for daily consumption.
for business:
Business Loans: Business loans, equipment financing, and real estate loans for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Corporate banking services: cash management, payroll services, trade finance, and more.
Regional support: Customized financial solutions for Aomori Prefecture's core industries such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism.
Aomori Bank's services are centered on the regional economy and combined with the combined resources to provide customers with comprehensive financial solutions.
regulatory and compliance<
ul style="list-style-type: disc" type="disc">regulated: Financial Services Agency, FSA<
style="font-family: sans-serif; color: black"> Deposit Insurance Scheme: Yes, insured by the Japan Deposit Insurance Corporation of Japan (DICJ), the principal and interest of deposits can be up to 10 million yen (about 72,000 USD) per person per bank.
Recent compliance records: The specific records are not disclosed, but as a regulated bank, it is required to strictly comply with Japanese financial regulations. Prior to the merger, both Aomori Bank and Bank Aomori Bank maintained a strong compliance record, demonstrating their robust governance.
Japan's strict financial regulatory system ensures that banks operate transparently and soundly to protect the interests of customers.
financial health
combined total assets of approximately $42.2 billion (based on pre-merger data), pre-tax profit of $200 million, and Tier 1 capital of $3.6 billion. Return on assets was 0.4%, return on capital was 4.7%, cost-to-income ratio was 55.3%, loan-to-asset ratio was 65.2%, and loan-to-deposit ratio was 75.3%, indicating financial soundness. The financial position is supported by the parent company, and the risk management is effective.
digital service experience<
ul style="list-style-type: disc" type="disc">APP & BANKING:
> offers "Aomori Bankアプリ", supports Android 6.0 and above, Apple App Store and Google Play ratings are not disclosed, but similar regional banking apps usually have a high score of 4.5 or higher.
core functions: account balance inquiry, transaction history viewing, real-time transfer, bill payment, Moneytree asset management integration. Supports biometric login (e.g., fingerprint or face recognition) and one-time password (OTP) authentication.
technical innovation:
AI customer service: 24/7 live chat support, which may include AI-driven features, the details were not disclosed.
Robo-advisor: provides investment advice through cooperation with securities subsidiaries, and the specific robo-advisory services are not specified.
Open Banking API: Not explicitly supported, but digital platforms integrate with third-party apps (e.g., Moneytree) to enhance the customer experience.
Aomori Bank's digital services are fully functional and user-friendly with its mobile app and online banking at its core.
customer service<
ul style="list-style-type: disc" type="disc">channel:
>Phone: 24/7 customer support, the specific number is available through the official website.
e-mail: support via the contact form on the official website.
Live chat: 24/7 live chat, availability not disclosed.
Comments: As a regional bank, it values local customer service, and customer feedback shows that its support is efficient, especially friendly to SMEs and local residents.
Aomori Bank embodies its localized service philosophy by providing customer support through multiple channels, ensuring that customers can get help at all times.
security measures<
ul style="list-style-type: disc" type="disc">Technical security: Data encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), real-time fraud monitoring to secure online transactions.
Deposit security: DICJ insurance, up to 10 million yen/person.
Other: Provide advice on secure keyboards and regular password updates to ensure the safety of customer data and funds.
Aomori Bank uses industry-standard security measures to enhance customer trust.
featured services and differentiations
The main bank in Aomori Prefecture focuses on supporting agriculture, fishing, and tourism, and provides customized financial services.
merger advantage: Combining the strengths of Aomori Bank and みちのく Bank to provide a more comprehensive range of financial products and services.
Digital innovation: Providing convenient financial management tools to meet the needs of modern customers through "Aomori Bank アプリ" and online banking.
Social responsibility: Supporting community development in Aomori Prefecture and participating in educational, environmental and cultural activities, reflecting the social mission of the regional bank.
Aomori Bank has earned the trust and support of local customers with its deep local roots and comprehensive financial services, and is an important pillar of Aomori Prefecture's economic development.
conclusion<
span style="font-family: sans-serif; color: black" > Aomori Bank, a leading commercial bank in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, has further strengthened its service capabilities and market presence through a merger in 2025. As a subsidiary of Procrea Holdings, the bank is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and has a stable financial position, offering a comprehensive range of financial products and services to meet the diverse needs of individuals and businesses. Its digital services and localization strategy have enabled it to occupy an important position in the regional market, providing customers with a high-quality financial experience.
