CEO Message

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for your continued support.

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group was founded over a century ago, during a time of greater uncertainty and a less mature economic and social landscape than today. Our primary purpose was to administer and enhance public wealth.

Since then, we have evolved alongside society and our clients. We have done so by leveraging the high level of expertise inherent in trust services and offering a diverse and flexible range of products and services. Through our contributions to post-war economic recovery and asset formation of the Japanese people, we have consistently addressed social challenges and fostered mutual growth.

In our Medium-Term Management Plan announced in May 2023, we articulated our aspiration to achieve an ROE of 10% or above by fiscal year 2030. We also set a target of 8% or above by fiscal year 2025.

Since then, we have made steady progress in our initiatives for sustainable profit growth. In addition, favorable macroeconomic conditions—such as rising interest rates and equity markets—have served as tailwinds for our business. As a result, in fiscal year 2024, we achieved key performance indicators outlined in our initial plan one year ahead of schedule.

Our commitment to reducing strategic shareholdings as a conventional stable shareholder, declared in May 2021, has also achieved high results beyond expectations. This progress was made possible through the understanding of our corporate clients and the tenacious efforts of our employees.

The stability of our capital management has significantly improved in tandem with this initiative.

The next challenge lies in maintaining profit growth even after gains from the sale of strategic shareholdings diminish.

While remaining vigilant against global economic and geopolitical uncertainties, we will continue to capitalize on business and revenue opportunities. We will also invest strategically to enable our sustainable growth through efficient and effective capital utilization.

Guided by our Purpose, “Trust for a flourishing future,” we remain committed to contributing to the prosperity of our clients, society, shareholders, employees, and all stakeholders.

We sincerely appreciate your continued understanding and support.

July 2025