Sumitomo Corporation and Nomura Research Institute Conclude Agreement on Transfer of Bank Display Business

Sumitomo Corporation (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer: Shingo Ueno) and Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Kaga Yanagisawa; hereinafter "NRI") have concluded an agreement under which NRI will transfer its "Bank Display" business to Sumitomo Corporation. Under this agreement, Sumitomo Corporation is scheduled to assume operations of the business beginning April 1, 2026.

The Bank Display business supports advertising development using digital signage installed at ATMs and in branch offices of financial institutions such as regional banks, credit unions and credit associations. Following the revision of the Banking Act in November 2021, which enabled banks to enter the advertising business, NRI launched the Bank Display business in January 2022 with the aim of contributing to regional revitalization by supporting marketing activities for local companies. Since then, the business has expanded its customer base to approximately 20 regional financial institutions nationwide. To encourage growth and sustainable development of the business, and to establish a structure supporting medium- to long-term business expansion that contributes to advertising and the broader growth of regional communities and financial institutions, it was decided that the Bank Display business would be transferred from NRI to Sumitomo Corporation.

Leveraging the expertise of group companies such as KIYONO, Inc., which provides digital marketing support, together with its nationwide network of branch and regional offices, Sumitomo Corporation will support financial institutions comprehensively throughout the entire process of launching advertising operations. This includes planning and designing advertising displays, assisting with advertising review processes and day-to-day operations, as well as sales support for advertisers and advertising agencies. Sumitomo Corporation will also provide the hardware required for advertising deployment, such as display and delivery equipment, along with services that streamline operational processes, including communications. This will enable financial institutions to launch advertising businesses quickly while keeping initial investment costs low.

Through these initiatives, Sumitomo Corporation will support the expansion of participating financial institutions and promote the sophistication of regional advertising businesses. Further, by strengthening support in non-financial fields including advertising, and by leveraging the assets of diverse group companies that serve as points of contact between businesses and consumers, Sumitomo Corporation aims to make ongoing contributions to revitalizing regional economies.

* "Bank Display" is a registered trademark of Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. Ownership of the trademark is scheduled to be transferred to Sumitomo Corporation on or after April 2026.