Japanese Regional Lenders Senshu Ikeda and Shiga Bank in Merger Talks to Form Kansai's Largest Group

Two regional Japanese banks, Senshu Ikeda and Shiga Bank, are reportedly in discussions to merge their operations. This consolidation would create the largest regional banking group in Japan's Kansai region, with combined assets expected to reach ¥14.6 trillion ($93.1 billion). An announcement is anticipated as early as next week, following a capital and business alliance established between the two firms in April.