Early Cross and Koza Shinkin Bank Form Business Alliance to Resolve Retirement Allowance Disparity for Okinawa SMEs through Corporate DC Introduction

Early Cross Co., Ltd., headquartered in Fukuoka and specializing in supporting the introduction of corporate defined contribution (DC) pension plans and financial education, has entered into a business alliance with Koza Shinkin Bank, headquartered in Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture. This alliance aims to provide solutions for SME managers in Okinawa Prefecture who are concerned about retirement savings and employee retention amidst rising prices. The solution combines Koza Shinkin Bank's regional financial network with Early Cross's expertise in asset formation through corporate DC plans. Okinawa Prefecture faces a competitive job market with an effective job offer ratio of 1.16 times. The employee turnover rate within three years of employment is significantly higher than the national average (11.5 points higher for high school graduates, 7.3 points higher for university graduates). Enhancing welfare benefits, such as retirement schemes, can serve as a differentiator for job seekers. The partnership outlines a three-step process: Koza Shinkin Bank provides information on corporate DC (Step 1), Early Cross handles system design and introduction support (Step 2), and Early Cross also conducts continuous financial education for employees (Step 3).