Iyo Bank and Ehime Bank to Merge, Creating ¥10 Trillion Regional Giant

Iyo Financial Group (Iyogin HD) and Ehime Bank have announced plans to merge, with the integration expected to take place in April next year. The combined entity will have total deposits of approximately ¥10 trillion, making it one of Japan's largest regional banking groups. The merger is part of a broader consolidation trend in Japan's regional banking sector, driven by population decline and low interest rates. Both banks are based in Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku Island.