Thought Leadership: CEO Yuki Kishi Discusses ESG & Sustainability at Japan’s Second Association of Regional Banks (SARBLAB)

Our CEO, Yuki Kishi, recently served as a guest lecturer at the 29th Seminar hosted by SARBLAB, the open innovation platform for the Second Association of Regional Banks in Japan.

Yuki Kishi, CEO of YKBridge, Managing Director at Fintech Association of Japan, and Co-founder of the Sustainability Data Standardization Consortium

Speaking in his capacity as Managing Director of the Fintech Association of Japan and Co-Founder/Auditor of the Sustainability Data Standardization Consortium, Yuki delivered a comprehensive presentation titled "Utilization of Non-Financial Information."

Key Highlights from the Session:

With regional banks playing a critical role in Japan’s economy, the session focused on how financial institutions can leverage ESG data not just for compliance, but as a strategic asset.

• Visualizing "Invisible Value": Yuki explained how non-financial information (ESG data) acts as a medical record for a company's health, visualizing long-term value that financial statements alone cannot capture. He highlighted the shift from traditional asset evaluation to valuing intangible assets like human capital and intellectual property.

• The Role of Regional Banks: The discussion centered on how banks can use standardized ESG indicators to deepen dialogue with local SMEs. By supporting SMEs in visualizing their sustainability efforts, banks can uncover new business opportunities and support the region's Green Transformation (GX).

• Connecting ESG to Financial Impact: Moving beyond simple disclosure, Yuki presented data-driven insights on the connectivity between non-financial metrics and financial performance. For example, he shared analyses showing the positive correlation between diversity (e.g., ratio of female managers) and financial indicators like ROIC, emphasizing the need to validate the economic impact of sustainability initiatives.

What This Means for Our Clients:

At YKBridge, our leadership is at the forefront of defining Japan’s sustainability standards. Through initiatives like the Sustainability Data Standardization Consortium—which involves over 70 member institutions including major banks and the FSA—we possess:

1. Deep Regulatory Insight: A frontline understanding of Japan’s evolving disclosure mandates.

2. Data-Driven Strategy: The ability to link abstract ESG concepts to concrete corporate value.

3. Ecosystem Connectivity: Strong ties with the regional banking network that forms the backbone of Japan's industry.

We help global companies not only enter the Japanese market but also align their value proposition with the country's most pressing economic and social priorities.