5. LEAD THE VALUE

Following the completion of the repayment of the injected public funds, SMFG launched a new Medium-Term Management Plan for the next three years from fiscal year 2007 to 2009, named “LEAD THE VALUE” plan. As stated in the new plan, the company aimed to become a “globally competitive financial services group with the highest trust,” by maximizing the Group’s three core competencies―spirit of innovation, speed, solution & execution―from the perspective of customers.

In addition, the plan identified seven growth areas to focus on: 1. Financial consulting business for retail customers; 2. Solution providing for corporate customers; 3. Focused business areas in global markets; 4. Payment and settlement services, consumer finance; 5. Investment banking and trust business; 6. Proprietary investment; 7. Credit derivatives, trading & distribution.