Key Stats
Founded: October 1, 2005 (headquarters in Tokyo, Japan)
Total Assets: $2.7 trillion USD (2024)
Employees: 180,000+ across more than 50 countries
Market Capitalization: $175 billion USD (December 2025)
Deposits: $1.5 trillion USD (April 2024)
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) stands as Japan’s largest financial institution and one of the top ten bank holding companies globally. The group provides comprehensive financial services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing.
MUFG operates through multiple business segments serving individual customers, corporations, and governments worldwide. The company’s global network spans more than 2,000 locations across 50 countries and regions.
The financial group traces its roots back over 360 years through predecessor institutions. Today, MUFG serves as a core member of the Mitsubishi Group, one of Japan’s most prominent business conglomerates. The company trades on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange under the ticker MUFG.
MUFG History
MUFG emerged from multiple banking mergers that consolidated centuries of Japanese financial history. The modern holding company formed through the combination of major banking institutions with origins dating to the Meiji era.
MUFG Co-founders
MUFG formed through corporate mergers rather than individual founding. However, the predecessor institutions trace back to influential figures in Japanese financial history.
Founded Mitsubishi Exchange House in 1880, which evolved into Mitsubishi Bank. Born into a provincial farming family in Tosa Province, Iwasaki built Mitsubishi from a small shipping company into one of Japan’s largest industrial conglomerates. His banking arm provided crucial financing for the zaibatsu’s expansion into heavy industries, mining, and shipping.
Served as the first President and CEO of MUFG at its formation in 2005. Kuroyanagi led the complex merger between Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group and UFJ Holdings, navigating regulatory requirements and integrating operations of multiple banking systems. Under his leadership, MUFG established the strategic alliance with Morgan Stanley in 2008.
MUFG Competitors
MUFG competes with major domestic and international financial institutions. In Japan, the three megabanks dominate the market. MUFG holds approximately 8% of domestic loan market share, leading among Japanese banks.
Globally, MUFG faces competition from American and European banking giants in corporate and investment banking. The company’s strategic partnership with Morgan Stanley strengthens its position in investment banking and wealth management services.
| Company | Headquarters | Total Assets (2024) | Market Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC) | Tokyo, Japan | $2.0 trillion | Japan’s 2nd largest megabank |
| Mizuho Financial Group | Tokyo, Japan | $1.9 trillion | Japan’s 3rd largest megabank |
| JPMorgan Chase | New York, USA | $3.9 trillion | Largest US bank by assets |
| HSBC Holdings | London, UK | $3.0 trillion | Largest European bank |
| Bank of America | Charlotte, USA | $3.2 trillion | 2nd largest US bank |
| Citigroup | New York, USA | $2.4 trillion | Major global investment bank |
| Resona Holdings | Tokyo, Japan | $480 billion | Japan’s 4th largest bank group |
| Japan Post Bank | Tokyo, Japan | $1.8 trillion | Largest deposit holder in Japan |
| BNP Paribas | Paris, France | $2.9 trillion | France’s largest bank |
| Industrial and Commercial Bank of China | Beijing, China | $5.7 trillion | World’s largest bank by assets |
MUFG Revenue
MUFG generates revenue through net interest income, fee-based services, trading activities, and investment returns. The company reported gross profits of approximately 4.8 trillion yen for fiscal year 2025.
Net interest income continues to grow as Japan’s interest rate environment improves. Fee income from wealth management and investment banking also contributes significantly to overall performance.
MUFG Marketcap
MUFG’s market capitalization reached approximately $175 billion in December 2025, making it one of the world’s 100 most valuable companies. The stock has appreciated significantly over the past two years.
The company’s valuation reflects improved profitability, rising interest rates in Japan, and successful international expansion. Berkshire Hathaway increased its stake in MUFG in 2025, signaling confidence from major institutional investors.
MUFG Acquisitions
MUFG has pursued strategic acquisitions to expand its global footprint and diversify revenue streams. The company focuses on high-growth emerging markets in Southeast Asia and strategic partnerships in developed markets.
The Morgan Stanley investment represents MUFG’s most significant strategic move. In September 2008, MUFG invested $9 billion to acquire a 21% stake during the global financial crisis. This investment required cutting a physical check for $9 billion because the wire transfer needed to occur on Columbus Day when US banks were closed. The partnership has since deepened through joint ventures in securities and investment banking across Japan and globally.
MUFG expanded aggressively into Southeast Asia, recognizing the region’s growth potential. The 2013 acquisition of Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) in Thailand for approximately $5.6 billion gave MUFG a leading position in Thailand’s banking market. The subsequent acquisition of Bank Danamon in Indonesia, completed in stages from 2017 to 2019, established MUFG as a major player in Indonesia’s financial sector.
In 2018, MUFG acquired First Sentier Investors, an Australian asset management firm. This acquisition strengthened the company’s global asset management capabilities. The group also holds strategic stakes in Security Bank (Philippines) and Vietinbank (Vietnam), providing exposure to other high-growth Asian markets.
MUFG divested some operations to optimize its portfolio. The 2022 sale of MUFG Union Bank to U.S. Bancorp for $8 billion allowed the company to refocus American operations on wholesale corporate and investment banking. This strategic shift concentrates resources on businesses where MUFG can leverage its partnership with Morgan Stanley.
FAQs
What does MUFG stand for?
MUFG stands for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. The name combines Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group and UFJ Holdings, the two companies that merged in 2005 to form the current entity.
Is MUFG the largest bank in Japan?
Yes, MUFG is Japan’s largest financial group by total assets and market capitalization. It holds approximately 8% of domestic loan market share, ahead of competitors SMBC and Mizuho.
Does MUFG own part of Morgan Stanley?
Yes, MUFG holds a 23.3% stake in Morgan Stanley as of 2024. The investment originated from a $9 billion purchase during the 2008 financial crisis. This stake makes MUFG Morgan Stanley’s largest shareholder.
Where is MUFG headquartered?
MUFG is headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. The company operates globally with approximately 2,000 locations across more than 50 countries and regions.
When was MUFG formed?
MUFG formed on October 1, 2005, through the merger of Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group and UFJ Holdings. The combined banks merged their operations on January 1, 2006.