Sumitomo SBI Net Bank Announces Official Character 'Neo-kun™'

Sumitomo SBI Net Bank, Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President (CEO): Noriaki Maruyama; hereinafter "Sumitomo SBI Net Bank") has announced its new official character, "Neo-kun."

About "Neo-kun"

"Neo-kun" is Sumitomo SBI Net Bank's official communication partner, designed to guide customers through banking services in an easy-to-understand way on the bank's apps, website, and various digital services.

Currently, the bank has started beta testing for "NEOBANK ai," the first AI banking service by a Japanese bank*, where "Neo-kun" will also play an active role as a guide to support customers with their inquiries and issues.

Previously, the character served as the generative AI chatbot "Helpippi™" to handle customer inquiries.

With this official character launch, and against the backdrop of advancing digital technology and the progress of AI utilization, its role is being revamped. The character's role will evolve from simply providing "help" to becoming a "more proactive presence that supports customer decision-making and transaction execution."

A Guide Living in the Forest of Data

"Neo-kun" is a fairy who lives in the “forest of data” that spreads across the internet.

It learns by observing the vast amount of "information light" that flows in daily, continuously absorbing new knowledge.

With a bright, cheerful, and positive personality, it loves to be helpful to people.

It gets happy when spoken to and helps turn a customer's "What should I do?" into an "I did it!" by empathizing with each individual's feelings.

It is designed as a reliable partner with a broad understanding of Sumitomo SBI Net Bank's services and procedures, not only answering questions but also providing support for procedures and money transfers.

Not Just a Character...