SMBC Group operates in more than 40 countries and regions worldwide, with our overseas businesses driving the Group's growth. To support these operations, we are developing a talent management framework that enables optimal assignments and promotions, regardless of the location of hire.
Another area of focus is facilitating personnel exchanges between Japan and overseas, implementing global training programs, helping employees gain experience in cross-cultural communication, and building a corporate culture that treats diversity as a source of competitiveness.
Globalization of human resources by in figures
Major initiatives for the active efforts of global human resources
Global HR Depatment
SMBC and SMBC Nikko Securities established their Global Human Resources Departments in FY 2014 and FY 2017, respectively, followed by the establishment of the SMFG Global Human Resources Department in FY 2017.
Since FY2025, we have been working to integrate HR functions globally by simplifying and streamlining HR operations, strengthening collaboration across countries and regions, and building an appropriate governance framework at the Head Office. Under “One Global HR,” we are executing talent strategies aligned globally to provide all Group employees, regardless of region, with opportunities to thrive, aiming for joint growth between the business and our people.
Building a unified platform
To realize a global talent strategy, we believe it is essential to have a unified HR platform that brings together organizations and operations across the globe. Therefore, in FY2025, we also established reporting lines from local HR heads to the Head Office Human Resources Department. We also created a global planning and operating structure by function through a Global CoE (Center of Excellence) model. Among the five CoE functions, four are led by overseas local employees, enabling talent deployment that transcends geographic limitations even within the Human Resources Department.
Through this new structure, we will accelerate unified HR operations with overseas offices and maximize global talent capabilities across the Group.
We are also exploring the integration of HR systems overseas to enhance the global use of HR data. We aim to realize optimal human capital management across the globe by utilizing HR data for cross-border transfers and placements.
Various training systems
Participants of a global Japan program
SMBC Group partners with The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in the United States and INSEAD in France to provide leadership training for management-level employees. We help them to develop leadership skills in cross-cultural environments and build international networks through joint training programs involving employees from various countries. Another key focus is on improving the skills of our global human resources through promoting short-term transfers and temporary assignments for employees both in Japan and overseas. In FY2024, 90 trainees visited Japan, where they demonstrated their advanced expertise. Furthermore, through overseas trainee programs that include short-term assignments in India, we are focusing on developing the human resources who will lead global business in the future.
Promoting Local Employment
SMBC Group is actively promoting local employment in our overseas offices to leverage local market expertise for global success. We are strengthening our talent management framework to support the career development of our employees, regardless of their location of hire.
