LINE and Mizuho Announce Additional Investment to LINE Bank Preparatory Company

LINE Corporation ("LINE") and Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. ("Mizuho Financial Group") announced today that their respective subsidiaries, LINE Financial Corporation ("LINE Financial") and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. ("Mizuho Bank"), have jointly agreed to make an additional investment and a change to the management structure of LINE Bank Preparatory Company. 

In order to further accelerate system development prior to launching the banking service, LINE Financial and Mizuho Bank will make an additional JPY 12 billion investment in LINE Bank Preparatory Company, increasing its capital reserve to JPY 16.5 billion.

Additionally, in order to strengthen cooperation between LINE Financial and Mizuho Bank and reinforce their joint commitment as equal partners, a Co-CEO management structure will be introduced. In addition to the current CEO, a Co-CEO will be appointed by Mizuho Bank, with the remainder of the board comprised by four directors and auditors appointed by LINE Financial and four by Mizuho Bank, further strengthening the governance structure of LINE Bank Preparatory Company. The appointment of the Co-CEO will be announced once a decision is finalized.

LINE Bank Preparatory Company plans to develop a unique "smartphone bank" connected to the LINE app by building on LINE's foundation of its 86 million users in Japan, its easy-to-use user interface and focus on user experience, and Mizuho Bank's extensive know-how in banking. Users will be able to realize a new financial experience that cannot be found with traditional banking services. Instead of having to visit a bank, the new bank aims to become the main banking service that can be used safely and securely, anytime, and a truly one-stop service in the palm of your hand.

Following the successful launch of LINE BK in Thailand last year, LINE has further plans in 2021 to expand banking services into other countries and regions, including Taiwan and Indonesia.