Japan M&A Center Selects Shiga Bank for Top Award at '14th M&A Bank of the Year'

Japan M&A Center Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo / Representative Director and President: Taku Miyake), a consolidated subsidiary of Japan M&A Center Holdings Co., Ltd., announced the '14th M&A Bank of the Year' on May 11, 2026. Shiga Bank Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture / Representative Director and President: Shinya Kubota) was selected for the highest award, 'Bank of the Year.'

## About the M&A Bank of the Year
Now in its 14th year, the 'M&A Bank of the Year' program recognizes and awards regional banks collaborating with Japan M&A Center based on various criteria such as M&A performance, number of deals, content of successful cases, regional contribution, number of new mandates, information development activities, and M&A system strengthening activities.

## Reasons for Shiga Bank's 'Bank of the Year' Top Award
Shiga Bank achieved the top M&A collaboration results nationwide with Japan M&A Center.
They have continuously conducted awareness-raising activities and information development for each branch, actively supporting diverse customer needs such as business succession, growth strategies, and overseas expansion through M&A. Due to their commitment to supporting local customers and regional revitalization, they were selected for the highest award, 'Bank of the Year.' This marks Shiga Bank's fifth time receiving the 'Bank of the Year' award.

## Introduction of Award-Winning Banks for the 14th M&A Bank of the Year
### Bank of the Year
Awarded to the partner bank that achieved the greatest results among the seven partner banks that received the Regional Contribution Award.
- Shiga Bank Co., Ltd. (Shiga Prefecture)

### Regional Contribution Award
Based on the aggregated indices of collaborative achievements with Japan M&A Center in fiscal year 2025, this award is given to the partner bank that contributed most to its region within each of the seven regional blocks.
- Hokkaido/Tohoku: Hokuyo Bank, Ltd. (Hokkaido)
- Kanto: Gunma Bank, Ltd. (Gunma Prefecture)
- Hokuriku/Koshinetsu: Taiko Bank, Ltd. (Niigata Prefecture)
- Tokai: Nagoya Bank, Ltd. (Aichi Prefecture)
- Kinki: Shiga Bank Co., Ltd. (Shiga Prefecture)
- Chugoku/Shikoku: Hiroshima Bank, Ltd. (Hiroshima Prefecture)
- Kyushu/Okinawa: Higo Bank, Ltd. (Kumamoto Prefecture)

### Deal of the Year
Awarded to partner banks that undertook excellent cases in fiscal year 2025, among deals concluded with partner banks, considering deal size, complexity of schemes, and contribution to the region.
- Iwagins Research & Consulting Co., Ltd. (Iwate Bank, Ltd.) (Iwate Prefecture)
- NOBUNAGA Succession Co., Ltd. (Juroku Financial Group, Inc.) (Gifu Prefecture)
- Hiroshima Bank, Ltd. (Hiroshima Prefecture)
- Iyo Bank, Ltd. (Ehime Prefecture)

### Information Development Award
Awarded to the partner bank with the highest number of new M&A collaboration mandates.
- Okigin Success Partners Co., Ltd. (Okinawa Bank, Ltd.) (Okinawa Prefecture)

### Special Award
Awarded to partner banks that have achieved results worthy of other accolades and have continuously promoted M&A operations, including awareness-raising activities.
- Musashino Bank, Ltd. (Saitama Prefecture)

### Special Information Development Award
Awarded to partner banks with a high number of new M&A collaboration mandates.
- Awa Bank, Ltd. (Tokushima Prefecture)

### TOKYO PRO Market Special Award
Awarded to partner banks with a track record of contributing to the creation and growth of local star companies through support for listing on TOKYO PRO Market.
- Hachijuni Nagano Bank, Ltd. (Nagano Prefecture)

### Innovation Special Award
Awarded to partner banks with a track record of contributing to the region through new ideas and innovative initiatives.
- Okigin Success Partners Co., Ltd. (Okinawa Financial Group, Inc.) (Okinawa Prefecture)

### Banker of the Year
Awarded to the most active M&A support personnel among partner banks in fiscal year 2025, and to the partner bank that produced such personnel.
- Shiga Bank Co., Ltd. (Shiga Prefecture) Corporate Promotion Group, Sales Management Department, Investigator Daisuke Zushi

## About the National Financial M&A Study Group
Japan M&A Center promotes various activities and project collaborations to support the M&A operations of 94 affiliated regional banks nationwide, including training for all branch managers, study sessions for employees, acceptance of secondees, operation of the 'National Financial M&A Study Group' secretariat, and dispatch of lecturers for customer seminars.
The 'National Financial M&A Study Group,' an M&A network participated in by many regional banks, was established in 2000 as an M&A study group for regional banks nationwide. Japan M&A Center serves as the secretariat, and it has been held three times a year for 26 years, marking its 81st session this time. Each session incorporates M&A trends, providing various training and information exchange opportunities, which are well-received by bank employees in charge of M&A and business succession at regional banks nationwide.