Preferred Networks, Japan’s largest AI unicorn, is at the forefront of artificial general intelligence. At the TAB Global Japan Innovation Study Tour 2025, PFN executives shared insights into how banks can harness this cutting-edge technology effectively.

AmBank Malaysia is advancing its digital transformation with strategic investments in automation, AI and analytics under the stewardship of Elango Kuppusamy and Sugumar Munisamy. They discuss the bank’s strategy, challenges, and differentiation in the evolving digital banking landscape.

Hoai Nam (James) Tran, head of digital banking at TPBank, discussed the bank’s digital- first strategy, social banking initiatives, the adoption of AI technologies and their focuses onto strengthening the robustness and availability of their system. Amid strong customer growth, TPBank navigated operational challenges and regulatory changes to strengthen its position in Vietnam’s competitive banking sector.

How banks in Thailand can harness emerging technologies, reinvent collaboration and create a seamless, boundary-less customer experience.

Kotak Mahindra Bank is the most profitable bank in India, while State Bank of India reports the largest net profit. Indian banks place fourth globally in net profit share, surpassing France.

SoftBank and SBI have emerged as powerful forces in financial and technological innovation. Their approaches to investment, digital transformation and risk-taking offer valuable insights into leadership in the digital age.

Standard Chartered and its Hong Kong subsidiary, Industrial Bank of Korea, First Bank of Nigeria and WeBank were recognised at The TAB Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards in Tokyo, Japan.

The digital and retail banking sectors continue to evolve, driven by innovation, rapid development and adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), accelerated digital transformation and shifting customer expectations.

Standard Chartered Bank’s Mary Huen shared her strategic vision for driving growth, fostering innovation and navigating challenges in one of the world’s most dynamic financial markets, while positioning the bank for a sustainable and resilient future.

Amy Yang, Retail Banking Group CEO at Taiwan’s CTBC Bank, was recognised as the Retail Finance Leader of the Year in Asia Pacific for 2025 at the TAB Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards, in Tokyo, Japan. She leads the bank’s digital transformation, expanding wealth management services and financial inclusion initiatives.

Asia is leading in financial platform development and adoption, with Alipay building a vast ecosystem and global reach, while Revolut excels in user acquisition and financial performance.

JPMorgan Chase, Emirates NBD and Standard Chartered Hong Kong top TABInsights World’s Best Retail Banks Ranking, with the top 50 banks showing modest improvements in retail profitability.

The Japan Banking Innovation Conference 2025, held at The Westin Tokyo, convened over a hundred senior banking executives, fintech leaders, policymakers and technology pioneers to discuss the fundamental shifts redefining financial services.

Digital banks continue to experience rapid growth in users, assets and revenue, with Brazil’s Nubank, the retail arm of ING Group and China’s WeBank leading the sector. Profitability among digital banks has improved, with a shorter time to break even.

Day 3 of the Japan Innovation Study Tour delved into the convergence of fintech regulation, sustainability, wearables and corporate venture capital innovation, featuring discussions on regulatory frameworks, decarbonisation accounting, AI-powered wearables and investment strategies.