ICT Strategy

ICT Strategy

The financial sector environment is changing rapidly as ICT, exemplified by Big Data, AI and robotics, makes huge strides and as new players such as retail and venture companies enter the sector.
In this environment, we recognize that to maintain our competitive advantage we must make full use of emerging technologies and our long-accumulated information assets to improve existing business and create new business segments. To this end, MUFG is working to strengthen its ICT initiatives and promote digital innovation.
As an example, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ has established an Innovation Center in Silicon Valley which aims to pool knowledge, perspectives and technology from outside the company. It examines new technology research and potential alliances with venture firms who possess innovative business models. Further, as part of our strategy to provide new financial services using ICT, we organized Fintech Challenge 2015, which presents ideas on new technologies, business models and services mainly from startups and individuals.

Humanoid Robot NAO

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ has started the experimental operation of the humanoid robot NAO, which is made by the French company Aldebaran, at selected branches. NAO is 58 cm tall and has the ability to understand and speak 19 languages. NAO currently helps with basic inquiries, such as ATM guidance, but as further AI is integrated in the future, we hope the robot will be able to respond to more sophisticated questions.

Humanoid robot NAO:
Speaks 19 languages and helps with ATM
directions and opening an account.

Introducing AI

IBM’s Watson is a cognitive system capable of understanding and learning from complex dialogue and questions as well as making forecasts and projections. Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ is planning to use AI such as Watson on its websites, and at call centers and branches. Thereby, we will improve services as AI supports answers to inquiries and operations more generally.