History

Established in 2005, the Trust Bank has retained client confidence and surpassed expectations as Japan's major trust bank and provider of high-quality solutions.

Starting out as a trust company

The Mitsubishi Trust Company, Limited, was established as the trust company arm of the Mitsubishi Group in 1927. During the late 1920s, we saw that cash made up around 80% of entrusted assets, followed by real estate and other assets, the same level as other trust companies that provided long-term industrial financing services and property management services. We made significant strides filling a niche left by struggling small and medium-sized banks after one of Japan's biggest economic crises (Showa Financial Crisis of 1927).

Conversion to a trust bank

As post-war Japan struggled to defeat malignant inflation, trust companies sought new growth in the banking industry. The Mitsubishi Trust Company, Limited, also began offering banking services in 1948, and was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1949. In 1952, the corporation was renamed The Mitsubishi Trust and Banking Corporation. In 1959, The Toyo Trust and Banking Company, Limited, was established by the three founding firms The Sanwa Bank, Limited, Kobe Bank and Nomura Securities Co., Ltd.

Post-war economic recovery — a period of high economic growth

Our most popular product during the post-war economic recovery was called a "loan trust." This long-term savings instrument offered a relatively high-interest return and stability for retail customers. Loan trusts also served corporate interests as a steady source of long-term financing in core industries. In this way, loan trusts supported Japan's high economic growth. During the late 1960s, we, like other trust banks, made further advances with new offerings such as public trusts and corporate pensions that provide both financing and asset management functions.

Global expansion

Subsequently, The Mitsubishi Trust and Banking Corporation launched global services. Two consolidated group companies were set up in 1986: Mitsubishi Trust International Limited, and Mitsubishi Trust & Banking Corporation (USA). In June 1989, The Mitsubishi Trust and Banking Corporation was listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Changing needs for trust banks — present day

During the 1990s, industry restructuring and financial deregulation redefined the role of trust banks. The corporate world now required more than just a steady source of financing. Corporate clients were now seeking asset management, administration and consulting services. With society's aging and lifestyle changes, retail customers also found their needs maturing: asset management and estate planning services became priorities. By meeting these customer needs, we have retained client confidence and surpassed expectations as Japan's major trust bank and provider of high-quality solutions.

The birth of Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation

Following a round of structural financial reforms in 2001, The Mitsubishi Trust and Banking Corporation joined Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group, Inc., (MTFG) and merged with The Nippon Trust and Banking Co., Ltd., and The Tokyo Trust Bank, Ltd. That year, Toyo Trust Bank, Sanwa Bank, and Tokai Bank also set up UFJ Holdings, Inc. Then, in 2005, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., (MUFG) was formed through the merger of Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group, Inc., (MTFG) and UFJ Holdings, Inc. At the same time, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation was established through the merger of The Mitsubishi Trust and Banking Corporation and UFJ Trust Bank Limited.