Bank of Iwate

is a Japanese regional bank that is based out of Morioka, the capital of Iwate prefecture in the Tohoku region. The Morioka branch building, the site of the old Morioka Bank, is a historic landmark in the prefecture. Recently, the bank has opened branches in Sendai and Hachinohe; unfavorable business conditions forced the bank to close a branch in Sapporo.

Profile

As of March 31, 2005:

Assets: Approximately ¥2.3 trillion (approximately $21 billion)

Employees: 1,596

Branches: 110 (95 in Iwate prefecture)

President: Katsumi Nagano

Member: Regional Banks Association of Japan

History

The bank was created from capital from Iwate prefecture in the wake of a 1932 banking crisis that affected other regional banks, including the Morioka Bank. Originally established as the Iwate Shokusan Bank, the bank changed its name to its current form in 1960.

During the bubble economy era of the late 1980s, the Bank of Iwate was known for its sound lending practices, and as a result, was relatively stable during the period following the collapse of the bubble. While the bank has dropped in its rankings in recent years, it is said to maintain high standards. The bank has recently diversified, offering insurance and securities services for customers.

Financial issues

The Bank of Iwate faces competition from national banks that are continuing to expand business services in Morioka, including the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, and the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. One long-term issue...
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