Background to Purpose-formulation

The AEON Financial Services Group (the AFS Group) started business in 1981 as an issuer of credit cards and related finance to customers shopping at Jusco general merchandise stores. The opening of our Hong Kong branch in 1987 marked the beginning of operation in other Asian countries. We offer services tailored to local conditions, including provision of installment payment for customers who have difficulty accessing financial services. AEON Bank, founded in Japan in 2007, responded to customer feedback and reinvigorated the banking industry through new initiatives such as 365-day opening and no-passbook accounts. The AFS Group now brings convenience and prosperity to the lives of its customers in 11 countries.

In recent years, changes in the business environment have accelerated at an increasing pace. They include the entry of players from other industries into the financial sector, the advance of digitalization driven by technological innovation, and the diversification of customer values. Moreover, there has been a rising sense of crisis about global issues including climate change and human rights, and society has faced increasing uncertainty and complexity.

To survive and thrive in such an unpredictable era, firstly we need to be a company that can gather diverse talents and enable them to play active roles. To this end, will and values are necessary for these diverse human resources as an anchor. Guided by these principles, we must bring about changes by having Group employees independently consider what they can do to enrich our customers’ lives and act autonomously.

We have therefore formulated a Purpose to define the aims of the AFS Group and our reasons for existence.