Higashi-Wakayama Branch

Enhanced Sales System
In order to achieve objectives outlined in its medium-term management plan, the Bank continued upgrading the functions of various in-house departments. These included the Corporate Business Promotion Office, Pyxis Consulting Service Office (supporting growth of corporate customers), and Management Support Office (supporting improvement of management). In July 2003, we established the Business Support Center, which specializes in swiftly addressing the financial needs of small businesses. In these ways, we are continuing to build our financial service capabilities.
    For individuals, we are working proactively and persistently to increase assets under custody and extend mortgage loans. In the latter area, we are continually expanding the territories covered by our mortgage loan centers, and in April 2003 we opened a new center in Esaka, Osaka.
    Meanwhile, we are continuing to merge and consolidate our branch network, especially in Wakayama City, to ensure efficient allocation of personnel. In the year under review, we began a refurbishment of the Higashi-Wakayama Branch, located in front of JR Wakayama Station, upgrading it into a core operation capable of providing comprehensive financial services. We also closed six branches (Chuo-Ichiba, Kada, Kii-Ekimae, Wasa, Wakayamashi-Ekimae, and Izumi-Fuchu) and one sub-branch (Shingu-Ekimae), and transformed two branches to sub-branches (Nishihama and Ota). In addition, we promoted efficient reallocation of off-branch ATMs.

Enhanced Financial Services
The Bank continues to upgrade its financial products to enhance convenience and better address the diversified needs of customers. These include products for which we can produce screening results in a short time thanks to our alliance with credit guarantee corporations as well as unsecured loans not requiring third-party guarantors. In addition to loans, we work to support the financing instrument for small and medium-sized companies. For example, we started handling private bonds with bank guarantees. Here, we act as guarantor, thus facilitating the issue of bonds of small and medium-sized company customers.
    For individual borrowers, we began providing loans in which the entire application process, up to conclusion of the loan contract, is conducted via ATMs.

Enhanced Customer Services
In the year under review, the Bank commenced Internet firm banking, allowing companies to conduct business transactions on the Internet without requiring dedicated software. Combined with Internet banking services for individuals, which we already offer, this new service underscores our ongoing effort to upgrade our banking functions for added convenience.