A.
In response to these measures, the FSA will encourage financial
institutions to establish inquiry counters and the like for loans,
etc. to domestic companies, especially with respect to operations
involving trade with North Korea, so that there will be no
management concerns, and will prompt private financial institutions
to make efforts in regards to what related financial institutions
can do based on discussions with government-affiliated financial
institutions, etc. to the greatest extent possible.
[Selection of an
acquiring party of Ashikaga Bank]
Q.
What is your perception of the
governor of Tochigi Prefecture's requests about the
selection of the acquirer of Ashikaga Bank?
A.
The governor, the chairperson of the prefectural assembly, the head
of the special committee and elected members of the House of
Councillors and the House of Representatives engaged in the request
campaign extremely enthusiastically-even Diet members who could not
turn up in person either passed on their messages or reported that
they would be absent. Many of them expressed their expectations for
sustained and sufficient financial intermediation functions in the
region, and their enthusiasm was impressive.
Q.
The Bank of Fukuoka is going to
effectively take over Kyushu-Shinwa Holdings according to
some press reports. What is FSA's response to this?
A.
Although I cannot comment on individual banks, generally speaking,
regional banks should make decisions based on their respective
management efforts. In particular, business confidence varies from
region to region, so they should exert further efforts in their
financial intermediation functions.
Q.
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group
announced that it has finished paying back all public funds
today, meaning that all so-called mega-banks have completed
paying back public funds. What are your thoughts on this?
A.
This is a monumental, delightful milestone towards our goal. We hope
banks will gain vigor and further improve their international
competitiveness and their credibility among customers, to establish
a sound financial market.