Japan’s megabanks chase ultrawealthy as fortunes swell

Wealth Management

Lenders boost specialist staff and services to capture stable fee income

Rising stock and real estate prices, along with inherited wealth, have boosted asset values and heightened competition among financial institutions. (Nikkei montage)

MASAYUKI SHIKATA and KAI ISHIZAKI

August 17, 2026 03:32 JST

TOKYO — Japan’s biggest banks are stepping up efforts to win ultrawealthy clients, expanding dedicated teams and services as soaring stock and property prices boost private fortunes and reshape the industry’s growth strategy.