Japan megabanks lead growing share of US syndicated loans

MUFG, SMFG and Mizuho fill gap left by domestic lenders focused on investment banking

Japan's three megabanks served as lead arrangers on 33% more syndicated loans in the U.S. in 2024 than in 2023. (Source photos by Nikkei)

MASAYUKI SHIKATA

June 12, 2025 01:50 JST

TOKYO -- Syndicated loans in the U.S. led by Japan's top banks swelled to record levels last year as tighter capital regulations push American banks toward non-lending businesses.

The number of U.S. syndicated loans where at least one of the three -- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Mizuho Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group -- was a lead arranger rose 33% in 2024 to 1,076, London Stock Exchange Group data shows.