Bankers

Bankers, operated by Bankers Co., Ltd., is a Japanese financial services brand offering lending-based crowdfunding, also known as social lending. The platform pools investors’ contributions and lends the funds to businesses; investors may receive distributions from interest paid by borrowers, after applicable operating fees. Bankers presents a range of funds assembled and managed by partner companies, including offerings from Takashimaya Funding, and provides online tools for browsing funds, registering, and investing.

The company traces its origins to 1969, when its predecessor, Taihei Bussan, began as a money lender. It combines this history with fintech and says its products are reviewed by financial professionals, with risk information and monitoring provided for greater transparency. Investments start at ¥10,000, and available terms range from as short as one month to more than a year. The platform is designed for online use, with a registration and investment process that can be completed by smartphone. Returns are set as planned fixed rates, but neither principal repayment nor returns are guaranteed; investment involves risk.