Message from the President

　Thank you for your continued patronage of the Bank of Iwate.

　Since its establishment in May 1932, the Bank of Iwate has been a leading regional bank based on its fundamental mission objectives of contributing to the development of the regional community and ensuring financial soundness of the Bank under all circumstances. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your warm support and patronage over the years.

　In Iwate Prefecture, the base of the Bank of Iwate's operations, challenges are rapidly emerging due to changes in the economic and social structure, such as a shortage of workers and declining population resulting from a falling birthrate, aging citizenry, and outflows of people to urban areas. In addition, factors such as the United States' tariff policies and rising geopolitical risks are making the future increasingly uncertain. As a regional financial institution which serves a financial intermediary function, we recognize that the role we need to fulfill is becoming increasingly significant.

　Against this backdrop and under our 21st Medium-Term Management Plan--Regional Value Co-Creation Plan (plan period: April 2023 to March 2026), which entered its final year in the current fiscal year, the Bank of Iwate Group is committed to solution-based sales and marketing, centered on the deposit and loan business, to resolve the increasingly diverse and complex issues faced by customers in the region. In addition, we will strive to develop professional human resources with consulting skills and expertise. Further, we will work to enhance our branch functions and financial services, build a highly productive business operation system by promoting digitization, and, as a financial institution that holds important assets in its custody, further strengthen our business management system, including measures to enhance cyber security and combat financial crimes such as money laundering.

　The Bank of Iwate Group will continue to maintain a solid management foundation that can be trusted by the regional community, customers, shareholders, and investors. At the same time, we will accurately grasp the trends of the times, always take on challenges without fear of change, and aim to be a "value co-creation company" that creates the future of the local community together with you. We truly hope that we can count on your continued patronage.

Toru Iwayama
President