ARCHIVE - Financial Innovation Category

Overview of services from past winners

Award Year	Rank	Company	Service Overview
2022	1st Place	KAERU, Inc.	A prepaid card for elderly customers with dementia. Includes services such as family monitoring (remote tracking of usage history, balance top-up etc.) and service suspension in case of card loss. Contributes to reducing the burden on caregivers, promotes financial inclusion for the elderly and provides the ease of cashless payment.
	2nd Place	BetterData Pte. Ltd.	An AI Privacy Platform that anonymizes, synthesizes and analyzes personal data for regulated industries such as Finance, Insurance, Healthcare, and Government. Companies will be able to use synthetic data to develop new products and services, as well as monetize their data without violating data protection regulations. Future plans to expand this service to Japan.
	3rd Place	Bee Informatica Sdn. Bhd.	A quick loans service in Malaysia offering loans to small businesses without an established credit score. Utilizes a “psychometric test” that scores entrepreneurship, financial literacy and compliance awareness etc. Future plans to expand this service to Japan.
2021	1st Place	G-Bank technologies OÜ	Offers a platform for financial services to improve the lives of international workers in Japan.
	2nd Place	Caulis Inc.	Aims to prevent fraudulent opening of bank accounts by identity theft Conducts an analysis of the possibility of identity theft by referring the information of account holders to the electric power transmission information of electric power companies, contributing to the prevention of the opening of bank accounts for the purpose of fraud and money laundering.
	3rd Place	Tractable Ltd.	Reduces the time it takes to pay out insurance claims for building damages caused by typhoons from several months to a few days AI solution automatically calculates the appropriate repair cost by simply taking pictures of the damaged parts of the building with a smartphone.
2020	1st Place	Paygilant	Providing fraud detection services that combine six additional types of information, including behavioral biometrics and transaction analysis technology
	2nd Place	Credify Pte.Ltd	Provides "idX," a solution based on the concept of "self-sovereign ID" and "distributed ID," which allows users to manage their own personal information and control the scope of disclosure.
	3rd Place	CrowdLoan Inc.	In addition to data on the loan performance of users using the company's services, a function has been added that uses external data to improve the screening system using proprietary AI.
2019	1st Place	Frich, Inc.	Providing pet insurance services for a limited number of breeds of dogs through SNS community groups.
	2nd Place	Fly Money Technologies LTD	Offer services that allow user to exchange money into local currency, receive cash at home or at the airport, and deposit money into local payment services with lower fees at the time of booking.
	3rd Place	400F Co., Ltd.	A service for individuals that provides asset management advice in a more understandable, appropriate, and efficient manner based on a "financial health checkup”. Chatbots with AI machine learning are used to provide neutral and appropriate information to clients.
2018	1st Place	justInCase, Inc.	Insurance claims are to be completed within 90 seconds via the app's chatbot.
	2nd Place	TORANOTEC, Ltd.	Newly launched "Real Change Investment," a service that allows users to invest simply by inserting change into a change box set up in Tokyo.
	3rd Place	GLORY LTD.	Development of an online "identity authentication platform" that uses "face" and "voice" for identity verification, with the aim of practical and commercialization.

ARCHIVE
2022

Needs and challenges for Tokyo residents

Based on the opinions from Tokyo residents, the themes requiring resolutions as follows were selected.

Themes		Opinions of residents and companies in Tokyo
Deposits/Withdrawals	1. Enhanced bank compatibility for ATM use and account management	Want to make deposits and withdrawals at ATMs at different financial institutions without fees Want to manage multiple bank accounts in one stop
Deposits/Withdrawals	2. Enhanced convenience of online banking (cost, operation, management, etc.)	Troublesome to manage passwords for online banking
Payments	3. Ability to use convenient cashless payment methods besides e-money	Desirable that many options for fee payment methods be offered, as the need for such methods is universal
	4. Enhanced e-money compatibility, such as allowing money transfer between apps, as too many types of e-money makes difficult to use	Confusing due to too many methods for electronic money payments
	5. Solutions for limited availability of stores that accept cashless payments such as credit cards and e-money	Want to take a bus/train by using a credit card without hassle Few stores offer smartphone payment services
	6. Payment methods with lower settlement fees	Payment fees are high
	7. Value-added payment methods, such as donating a portion of the payment amount	Desirable to have financial services that encourage environmentally friendly actions (e.g., the introduction of credit cards that donate a certain percentage of the transaction amount to a charity or reforestation)
Asset Management	8. Neutral advice on procedures and neutral advice on suitable products so that beginners can easily start asset management	Hope to have a service that is easy to get started with Want to receive advice not from sales perspective There are too many asset management products, making it difficult to find a suitable product for me
	9. Services and products that make it easier to start asset management, such as investment from small amounts or with low fees	Want to make investment from small amounts Hope to have a service that automatically invests a certain percentage of the payment amount instead of point redemption when making payments with a credit card
	10. New services that provide investment advice in accordance with lifestyle and future plans	Hope to have an app etc., which offers suggestions for asset formation, such as a withdrawal limit linked to expected amount or trend of monthly payments
Insurance	11. Neutral advice on insurance products that are suitable for each customer	Want to receive easy-to-understand advice on the insurance that I need Difficult to compare insurance products due to different service conditions for each product
	12. Simpler procedures for insurance	Inconvenient that medical insurance payment procedures to receive the insurance are complicated and troublesome Want to claim and receive the insurance for overseas travelers on the spot before returning home Want to complete various procedures online instead of at the counter or by mail Difficult to understand the matters stated in the contracts and documents
	13. Easier way of understanding insurance coverage status, etc	Unable to check or go through procedures for insurances of more than one company all at once Want to have a list that enables me to grasp the subscription status of my family members and to understand the shortage/excess of compensation
	14. Services for insurance sharing	Desirable to have a service like insurance sharing that suits individual communities and needs
Financing	15. Loan services that are more readily available, such as lower costs/shorter processing time, etc	Desirable to have financing like finance support for advanced medical care through crowdfunding
	16. Neutral advice on loans suitable or each person	Bothersome to look at multiple financial institutions to find out the one that suits me Hope to have a place where I can feel free to consult because financing sounds difficult
	17. Products that are not restricted by age, occupation, income, etc	Want credit management technology that utilizes small online transaction data
	18. Various loan services that meet the needs of startups, etc	Hope that the revenue-based finance (RBF) method, which provides loans to early-stage startups based on the expectation of future profits, will become more widespread
Others	19. Services that promote data utilization	Hope there are effective measures to utilize sophisticated data on customers in financial institutions
	20. Services enhancing security, such to preventing financial crimes (e.g., fraudulent use of credit cards and cashless payments, security of online transactions, etc.)	Security technology that can centrally prevent fraudulent credit card use, fraudulent applications, unauthorized logins, etc Cyber security enhancements
	21. Further acceleration of digital transformation in the financial industry	Need streamlining through business automation and unification/simplification of the flow and procedures in the financial industry Desirable that the preparation of documents can be automated to cope with the diversification of funding methods
	22. Services that promote collaboration within the financial industry and with non-financial industries	Want to successfully integrate the financial and non-financial industries in providing Embedded Finance services
	23. Service that can collectively manage financial assets, such as bank accounts, insurance, securities, inheritance, etc	Want services to collectively manage financial assets Want to have an app that allows for collective management and operation of savings, insurance, etc. according to the cash flow
	24. New financial services to prepare for “the 100-year life”	Want financial services and products such as mortgages that assume people will live to be 100 years old Want services that allow for managing assets from a young age and preparing for risks such as dementia in anticipation of post-retirement life
	25. Comprehensive financial services for times of economic distress in the event of an emergency	Want an insurance system that can provide immediate compensation and microfinance for emergencies in the face of the unprecedented situation of the COVID-19 pandemic Need support for self-reliance of those who are vulnerable to the economic impact of emergencies in addition to offering temporary financial assistance
	26. Financial services for overseas financial transactions and overseas tourists, such as multi-currency and multi-language services	Few places and financial services available to trade in a variety of currencies Few multilingual financial services available
	27. Simpler procedures for ID verification for opening account and eKYC	Need KYC technology using credit cards or other media Need services for advanced KYC and advanced data analysis using secret computation technology
	28. Tools and services to promote financial education on asset management, insurance, etc	Desirable to have a tool that enables even busy businesspeople to easily learn about asset management due to the lack of opportunities to learn about it There are few opportunities to learn about insurance There are many cases where people do not have enough knowledge until they need it

Number of applicants and applicant countries
Overview of the Support Program
Winners overview & Solution video & Award Ceremony

Winners overview

Rank	Company(HQ Location)	Need	Service Overview
1st Place	KAERU, Inc. (Japan) Service Implemented	New financial services to prepare for “the 100-year life”	A prepaid card for elderly customers with dementia. Includes services such as family monitoring (remote tracking of usage history, balance top-up etc.) and service suspension in case of card loss. Contributes to reducing the burden on caregivers, promotes financial inclusion for the elderly and provides the ease of cashless payment.
2nd Place	BetterData Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)	Services that promote data utilization	An AI Privacy Platform that anonymizes, synthesizes and analyzes personal data for regulated industries such as Finance, Insurance, Healthcare, and Government. Companies will be able to use synthetic data to develop new products and services, as well as monetize their data without violating data protection regulations. Future plans to expand this service to Japan.
3rd Place	Bee Informatica Sdn. Bhd. (Japan)	Improved loan services (cut down of costs/time etc.)	A quick loans service in Malaysia offering loans to small businesses without an established credit score. Utilizes a “psychometric test” that scores entrepreneurship, financial literacy and compliance awareness etc. Future plans to expand this service to Japan.

Solution Video from Winners

KAERU, inc

BetterData Pte. Ltd.

Bee Informatica Sdn. Bhd.

Award Ceremony
Click here for more details and archive videos

ARCHIVE
2021

Needs and challenges for Tokyo residents

Based on the opinions from Tokyo residents, the themes requiring resolutions as follows were selected.

Category	Theme
Deposits & Withdrawals	Want lower fees for withdrawing/depositing cash. Procedures for opening account, etc. such as ID verification should be simplified. Want a simple and low-cost remittance app. Increased compatibility with banks for ATM use and account management is desirable. Easier operation of online banking is needed. Easier management of IDs, passwords, and authentication methods for online banking, etc. are requested. Security for online transactions of online banking, etc. should be strengthened.
Payments	A greater compatibility of electronic money should be enhanced, such as by allowing funds to be transferred between apps, due to too many types of electronic money, which makes it is difficult to use them. Want convenient cashless payment methods other than electronic money. Want more stores that accept credit card payment, etc. Security should be strengthened in case of credit card/smartphone theft or unauthorized use. Want a payment method with lower transaction fees.
Asset Management	Want tools that help even inexperienced investors learn about finance. Want to receive guidance on procedures and advice on products that are neutral and suit my needs so that even a beginner can easily start asset management. Want more services/products that allow investment management from a small amount. Lower fees for asset management are desirable. Want a service that provides investment advice, which is linked to lifestyle and future plans.
Insurance	Want neutral advice on insurance products that suit my needs. Simple and easy to understand insurance procedures are needed. Want tools to learn about insurance. The status of insurance coverage, etc. should be made easier to grasp. Want a service that allows for the sharing of insurance.
Financing	Procedures and screening of loans should be faster and simpler. Want neutral advice on various types of loan products that suit my needs. Want products that are free from restrictions based on age, occupation, income, etc. Want loan services that meet the specific needs of start-up companies and SMEs.
Others (Financial Service in General)	Want services to promote data utilization. Digital transformation of the financial industry should be further promoted. Want services that promote collaboration within the financial industry and with non-financial industries. Want a service that allows for the integrated management of one’s financial assets, including bank accounts, insurance, securities, inheritances, etc. Want new financial services to prepare for the “the era of the 100-year lifespan” Want services to prevent financial crimes by enhancing security, etc. Want comprehensive financial services for times of financial distress in the event of an emergency. Want financial services for overseas financial transactions and overseas tourists, such as multi-currency and multi-language services.

Number of applicants and applicant countries
Overview of the Support Program
Winners overview & Solution video & Award Ceremony

Winners overview

Company	Theme / Outline of proposed solutions
1st： G-Bank technologies OÜ (Estonia) Service Implemented	【Others (Financial Service in General)】 Want a service that allows for the integrated management of one’s financial assets, including bank accounts, insurance, securities, inheritances, etc. —– Offers a platform for financial services to improve the lives of international workers in Japan. Provides one-stop financial services such as opening bank accounts and remittances, which are conventionally offered in Japanese, in the users’ native languages through leveraging digital banking technology, thereby contributing to greater financial inclusion of international residents in Japan.
2nd： Caulis Inc. (Japan)	【Others (Financial Service in General)】 Want services to prevent financial crimes by enhancing security, etc. —– Aims to prevent fraudulent opening of bank accounts by identity theft Conducts an analysis of the possibility of identity theft by referring the information of account holders to the electric power transmission information of electric power companies, contributing to the prevention of the opening of bank accounts for the purpose of fraud and money laundering.
3rd： Tractable Ltd. (UK) Service Implemented	【Insurance】 Simple and easy to understand insurance procedures are needed. —– Reduces the time it takes to pay out insurance claims for building damages caused by typhoons from several months to a few days AI solution automatically calculates the appropriate repair cost by simply taking pictures of the damaged parts of the building with a smartphone.

Solution Video from Winners

G-Bank technologies OÜ

Caulis Inc.

Tractable Ltd.

Award Ceremony

ARCHIVE
2020

Themes to be Resolved

Based on the opinions from Tokyo residents, the themes needing resolutions decided for each category.

Deposits & Withdrawals

	Themes
Bank Teller window	1. Inconvenient that there are some procedures of opening an account, such as ID verification
Online Banking	2. Difficult to manage different login IDs and passwords and verification method for multiple online bank accounts
Online Banking	3. Hard to find services or functions when using online banking
Fees	4. Deposits and withdrawal fees remain high
Remittance/Transfer	5. Want a simple and low-cost app for making transfers

Payments

	Themes
Electric payments	6. Want other convenient cashless payment methods besides e-money
	7. Too many different types of e-money make it a hassle to use
	8. The number of stores in Japan that accept credit cards, etc, is limited
Security	9. Security systems should be strengthened to prevent theft and unauthorized use of cards/smartphones
Usability	10. Want to have a payment system platform utilizing transportation/ MaaS

Asset Management

	Themes
Investment Education	11. Want tools for beginners for learning about finance
Procedure	12. Want to start investing, but don’t understand how to start
Product Range	13. Want advice on asset management products that is suitable for the respective customer from a neutral perspective
	14. There are few services/goods that can be managed with a smaller amount
	15. Want a new service that allows investment advice to be received which is linked to daily life

Insurance

	Themes
Systems/Procedures	16. Insurance procedures are inconvenient
Systems/Procedures	17. Difficult to find out status of insurance coverage
Product Range	18. Want advice on insurance products that is suitable for the respective customer from a neutral perspective
Product Range	19. Want a service that allows insurance sharing

Financing

	Theme
Procedures	20. Want quicker and simpler procedures and examinations of loans
Product Range	21. Want advice on loans that is neutral and suitable

Others

	Theme
	22. Want a service that can manage financial assets collectively, such as bank accounts, insurance, securities, inheritance etc.
	23. Want to have a new financial service in preparation for the coming age in which life expectancy will average 100 years
	24. Want to have a proactive service to prevent financial crime
	25. Want to have comprehensive financial service in the event of an economic crisis

BtoB

	Theme
	26. Want a loan service that meets the unique needs of start-up companies and SMEs
	27. To suit the new work style at With/After COVID19, want a service to enhance the security
	28. Want a service to promote data utilization
	29. Want to further accelerate digital transformation in the financial industry
	30. Want a service that promotes collaboration within the financial industry and with non-financial industries

Number of applicants and applicant countries
Support Program
Winners overview & Solution video & Award Ceremony

Winners overview

Company	Theme / Summary of Solution
1st： Paygilant	\| BtoB \| Want to further accelerate digital transformation in the financial industry ----- Providing fraud detection services that combine six additional types of information, including behavioral biometrics and transaction analysis technology
2nd： Credify Pte.Ltd Service Implemented	\| BtoB \| Want a service to promote data utilization ----- Provides "idX," a solution based on the concept of "self-sovereign ID" and "distributed ID," which allows users to manage their own personal information and control the scope of disclosure.
3rd： CrowdLoan Inc. Service Implemented	\| BtoB \| Want to further accelerate digital transformation in the financial industry ----- In addition to data on the loan performance of users using the company's services, a function has been added that uses external data to improve the screening system using proprietary AI.

Solution Video from Winners

Paygilant

Credify Pte.Ltd

CrowdLoan Inc.

Award Ceremony

ARCHIVE
2019

Themes to be Resolved

Based on the opinions from Tokyo residents, the themes needing resolutions decided for each category.

Deposits & Withdrawals

	Themes
Bank teller window	1. Inconvenient that there are some procedures which can only be done in bank branches, such as ID verification
Online Banking	2. Difficult to manage different login IDs and passwords and verification method for multiple online bank accounts
Online Banking	3. Hard to find services or functions when using online banking
Fees	4. Deposits and withdrawal fees remain high
Remittance/ Transfer	5. Want a simple and low-cost app for making transfers

Payments

	Themes
Electric payments	6. Want other convenient cashless payment methods besides e-money
	7. Too many different types of e-money makes it a hassle to use
	8. The number of stores in Japan that accept credit cards, etc, is limited
Security	9. Security systems should be strengthened to prevent theft and unauthorized use of cards/smartphones
Usability	10. Want to have a payment system platform utilizing transportation/ MaaS *

Asset Management

	Themes
Invest Education	11. Want tools for beginners for learning about investment
Procedures	12. Want to start investing, but don’t understand how to start
Product Range	13. Want advice on asset management products that is suitable for the respective customer from a neutral perspective
	14. There are few services/goods that can be managed with a smaller amount
	15. Want a new service that allows investment advice to be received which is linked to daily life

Insurance

	Themes
Systems/ Procedures	16. Insurance procedures are inconvenient
Systems/ Procedures	17. Difficult to find out status of insurance coverage
Product Range	18. Want advice on insurance products that is suitable for the respective customer from a neutral perspective
Product Range	19. Want a service that allows insurance sharing

Financing

	Themes
Procedures	20. Want quicker and simpler procedures and examinations of loans
Product Range	21. Want advice on loans that is neutral and suitable
	22. Want a loan service that can accept even start-up companies with low credit ratings
	23. Want a loan service tailored to cash flow

Other

	Themes
Management	24. Want a service that can manage financial assets collectively, such as bank accounts, insurance, securities, inheritance etc.
Other	25. Want to have a new financial service in preparation for the coming age in which life expectancy will average 100 years

Number of applicants and applicant countries
Support Program
Winners overview & Solution video & Award Ceremony

Winners overview

Company	Theme / Summary of Solution
1st: Frich,Inc. Service Implemented	\| Insurance \| Want a service that allows insurance sharing. ----- Providing pet insurance services for a limited number of breeds of dogs through SNS community groups.
2nd: Fly Money Technologies LTD	\| Payments \| Too many different types of e-money makes it a hassle to use. ----- Offer services that allow user to exchange money into local currency, receive cash at home or at the airport, and deposit money into local payment services with lower fees at the time of booking.
3rd: 400F Co., Ltd. Service Implemented	\| Asset Management \| Want advice on asset management products that is suitable for the respective customer from a neutral perspective. ----- A service for individuals that provides asset management advice in a more understandable, appropriate, and efficient manner based on a "financial health checkup”. Chatbots with AI machine learning are used to provide neutral and appropriate information to clients.

Solution Video from Winners

Frich,Inc.

Fly Money Technologies LTD

400F Co., Ltd.

Award Ceremony

ARCHIVE
2018

Themes to be Resolved

Based on the opinions from Tokyo residents, the themes needing resolutions decided for each category.

Deposits & Withdrawals

	Themes
Bank teller window	1. Inconvenient that there are some procedures which can only be done in bank branches, such as ID verification
Online Banking	2. Difficult to manage different login IDs and passwords and verification method for multiple online bank accounts
Online Banking	3. Hard to find services or functions when using online banking
Fees	4. Deposits and withdrawal fees remain high

Payments

	Themes
Electric payments	5. Want other convenient cashless payment methods besides e-money
Electric payments	6. Too many different types of e-money makes it a hassle to use
Credit Card	7. The number of stores in Japan that accept credit cards, etc, is limited
Security	8. Security systems should be strengthened to prevent theft and unauthorized use of cards/smartphones

Asset Management

	Themes
Invest Education	9. Want tools for beginners for learning about investment
Product Range	10. Want advice on asset management products that is suitable for the respective customer from a neutral perspective
Product Range	11. There are few services/goods that can be managed with a smaller amount
Procedures	12. Want to start investing, but don’t understand how to start

Insurance

	Themes
Product Range	13. Want advice on insurance products that is suitable for the respective customer from a neutral perspective
Systems/ Procedures	14. Insurance procedures are inconvenient
Systems/ Procedures	15. Difficult to find out status of insurance coverage

Financing

	Themes
Procedures	16. Want quicker and simpler procedures and examinations of loans
Product Range	17. Want advice on loans that is neutral and suitable
	18. Want a loan service that can accept even start-up companies with low credit ratings
	19. Want a loan service tailored to cash flow

Other

	Themes
Management	20. Want a service that can manage financial assets collectively, such as bank accounts, insurance, securities, inheritance etc.

Number of applicants and applicant countries
Support Program
Winners overview & Solution video & Award Ceremony

Winners overview

Company	Theme / Summary of Solution
1st: justInCase, Inc. Service Implemented	\| Insurance \| Insurance procedures are inconvenient. ----- Insurance claims are to be completed within 90 seconds via the app's chatbot.
2nd: TORANOTEC, Ltd.	\| Asset Management \| There are few services/goods that can be managed with a smaller amount. ----- Newly launched "Real Change Investment," a service that allows users to invest simply by inserting change into a change box set up in Tokyo.
3rd: GLORY LTD.	\| Deposits and Withdrawals \| Inconvenient that there are some procedures which can only be done in bank branches, such as ID verification. ----- Development of an online "identity authentication platform" that uses "face" and "voice" for identity verification, with the aim of practical and commercialization.