Insight Report

The Japan Pivot Podcast - Building Japan's FinTech Community

Written by GFTN | Mar 26, 2026 8:01:50 AM

Synopsis:

FinTech ecosystems don’t appear overnight. They are built through collaboration across startups, financial institutions, regulators, and investors.

In this episode, Chie Ito, Executive Officer at Dentsu Research Institute and former head of FINOLAB, reflects on the development of Japan’s fintech community. She discusses how the ecosystem has evolved, the role of community building in innovation, and why collaboration across sectors is critical to the future of FinTech in Japan.

 

About Chie Ito
Chie Ito is Executive Officer at Dentsu Research Institute and a leading figure in Japan’s FinTech ecosystem. She previously led FINOLAB, one of Japan’s most prominent fintech communities, where she worked with startups, financial institutions, and policymakers to foster collaboration and innovation. Ito has played a key role in connecting the diverse actors shaping Japan’s evolving FinTech landscape.