MUFG Bank, Ltd. has announced plans to acquire Moneytree, a financial data platform company.

This follows a preliminary agreement signed between MUFG Bank, its subsidiary WealthNavi Inc., and Moneytree, according to Moneytree’s investor MUFG Innovation Partners Co., Ltd. (MUIP).

The three parties will continue negotiations to finalize the agreement and transfer Moneytree shares.

This marks the first time an MUIP portfolio company is being acquired by a member of the MUFG Group.

Founded in 2012, Moneytree connects with over 2,500 financial institutions and services.

Its API service, Moneytree Link, provides data to around 120 organizations, including banks, fintech firms, and accounting software companies. MUIP invested in the company in 2019.

MUFG Bank plans to use Moneytree’s technology to support its new digital banking concept, expand its customer base, and enhance corporate financial services.

🔗 Source: MUFG Innovation Partners

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Japanese banking evolution through fintech acquisitions

MUFG’s acquisition of Moneytree represents a significant shift in how Japanese megabanks are embracing digital transformation through strategic acquisitions rather than just partnerships.

Moneytree has been uniquely positioned in the Japanese fintech landscape, having previously received investments from all three major Japanese megabanks, signaling its strategic importance to the entire banking sector 1.

This acquisition reflects a global trend where traditional banks acquire fintech companies to accelerate their digital capabilities. With 4 million individual users and connections to over 2,500 financial institutions, Moneytree brings MUFG immediate scale in personal financial management technology that would have taken years to develop internally 1.

The transaction also highlights how Japanese financial institutions are responding to changing consumer expectations for digital-first banking experiences, with MUFG explicitly stating plans to launch a “new concept digital bank” following the acquisition.

2️⃣ Corporate venture capital evolving beyond financial returns

This deal marks the first time an MUIP portfolio company has been acquired by its parent organization, demonstrating how corporate venture capital (CVC) units can serve as effective technology scouting mechanisms.