Synopsis:
Financial transformation rarely happens from the outside.
In this conversation, Mitsu Okubo, Founder of Finovators and former leader of Mizuho’s Blue Lab innovation unit, shares an insider’s view of how Japan’s financial institutions are evolving. Drawing on experience across banks, startups, and the Digital Agency, Okubo discusses what it actually takes to modernize financial infrastructure and why collaboration across the ecosystem is essential to making innovation real.
About Mitsunobu Okubo
Mitsunobu “Mitsu” Okubo is Founder and CEO of Finovators, a platform supporting fintech innovation in Japan. He previously led Blue Lab, Mizuho Financial Group’s open innovation initiative, where he helped develop new financial services in collaboration with startups and technology partners. Okubo also works with Japan’s Digital Agency, contributing to efforts to modernize digital infrastructure and strengthen collaboration across Japan’s financial ecosystem.