Business Express II Super Hurry! launched (Sept. 2002)

In September 2002, we launched the Business Express II Super Hurry!, an unsecured business loan requiring no collateral or third-party guarantors that is designed for funding needs of small and medium-sized business entrepreneurs operating within Okinawa. The Super Hurry business loan was developed through a tie-up with the Okinawa Prefecture Credit Guarantee Association. The loan, with a lending limit of ¥10 million, covers the operating funds necessary for running a business, as well as equipment funds. What makes this product groundbreaking is that customers can be informed of their approval status within three business days. We started selling the Super Hurry in February 2003 (for borrowers recommended by Okinawan licensed tax accountant members).

TV commercials aired to promote loan products to individuals (Sept. 2002)

In September 2002, we started airing TV commercials advertising our individual consumer loan products Loan Revolution 15 and All in One Loan. This was the first time the Bank had used TV ads for loan products. The 15-second commercials were generally comical, to impart to customers the impression that the Bank’s loan services are easily accessible.

Financial Advisory Service (Sept. 2002)

In September, we launched the Ryugin Financial Advisory Service to offer support to our corporate borrowers for improving their financial positions. Under this advisory service, a financing representative analyzes the financial reports of corporate customers, and devises strategies to enhance earnings. Working together with corporate borrowers, the Bank addresses management issues, such as improving the company’s financial performance. We are actively creating such a support system because this type of interaction allows for ever closer ties with our customers.

Sales of life insurance products launched (Oct. 2002)

From Oct. 2002, we began selling life insurance products at our all branches (excluding branches in Tokyo). This product lineup consist of products offered by Nippon Life Insurance Company and Dai-ichi Mutual Life Insurance Company. In addition to selling Japanese government bonds, investment trusts, and casualty insurance, we now also handle life insurance products. Thus, it has become possible to recommend an asset management plan that matches each customer’s life plan.

Post Loan (Oct. 2002)

From October 2002, we introduced our Post Loan (a card loan) which can be secured by merely mailing in a completed loan request form. Individuals who maintain accounts at Bank of the Ryukyus need not visit a bank teller, but instead just mail in a completed application. We are the first bank in the prefecture to offer such a product. This product is especially convenient for people who are too busy to leave the office.

Installment-type investment trust launched (January 2003)

In January 2003, we introduced Tsumito-kun, a new installment-type investment trust product. Each month a fixed amount is put toward the purchase of an investment trust, in an installment-payment format. When the price is high, fewer lots are purchased than when the price is low. This minimizes the risk associated with price fluctuations, and targets long-term capital formation. The Bank is currently marketing seven funds incorporating different features, allowing us to suitably meet customers’ asset management needs.

Ryugin Go-Go Fixed Time Deposit (April 2003)

To commemorate our 55^th anniversary, we launched the Ryugin Go-Go Fixed Time Deposit in April 2003. This fixed-term deposit targets individuals who deposit a minimum of ¥100,000, and features a lottery with the possibility of winning a prize valued at as much as ¥100,000. On the occasion of our 55^th anniversary, we are eager to show our appreciation to the local community. To this end, we have created the Go-Go Prize (the winner receives ¥55,000) to make our products more exciting.