MARUHAN Japan Bank Lao Co., Ltd. (MJBL) was established in 2013 as a licensed commercial bank in Lao PDR. It operates alongside its sister bank in Cambodia and its Yangon representative office in Myanmar under MARUHAN Investment Asia Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based financial institution. This regional entity is part of the larger MARUHAN Japan Group, which brings extensive expertise, resources, and innovation to the ASEAN banking sector. By combining innovation with experience, MJBL is redefining banking in the region with customer-centric solutions that blend technology and personalized service.
Commitment to Supporting Economic Growth
Understanding local culture and business needs is essential for a young bank like MJBL. In Lao PDR, where the government prioritizes essential services and infrastructure development, MJBL actively supports national initiatives such as the SME Promotion Fund. Established by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith in 2019, this fund provides low-interest loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to drive economic growth. As an appointed panel commercial bank, MJBL plays a crucial role in distributing these funds, reinforcing its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and fostering financial inclusion.
Leading Digital Transformation in Banking
The financial industry is undergoing a digital revolution, and MJBL has embraced this change with a hybrid business model that integrates traditional banking with cutting-edge digital solutions. In March 2020, MJBL launched its Digital Service Unit, the first fully paperless banking experience in Lao PDR. This innovation allows customers to complete transactions with human interaction, eliminating the need for physical paperwork. Additionally, MJBL introduced MJ Saduak, a mobile banking and wallet app that enables businesses to conduct online transactions without visiting a branch. These initiatives highlight MJBL’s commitment to providing modern, accessible, and convenient banking solutions.
Innovative Financial Products for SMEs
MJBL is revolutionizing SME financing with its SME QR Term Loan, the first of its kind in Lao PDR. This collateral-free loan offers flexible repayment terms and is available to businesses registered as MJBL QR merchants. By removing traditional barriers to credit, this product supports entrepreneurs in high-traffic sectors such as education, tourism, and transportation. The SME QR Term Loan reflects MJBL’s dedication to empowering small businesses and strengthening the local economy.
Expanding for the Future
MJBL’s growth strategy focuses on two key areas: digital banking and agency banking. Its digital banking platform is designed to attract young entrepreneurs and tech-savvy individuals, while agency banking aims to extend financial services to underserved suburban and rural communities in Lao PDR. Despite increasing operational costs, MJBL remains confident in its ability to compete in the evolving financial landscape. With its innovative approach, strong governance, and commitment to relationship banking, MJBL is poised to become a major player in ASEAN’s financial sector.
