Insight Report

The Japan Pivot Podcast: Moving AI From Pilot to Production

Written by GFTN | Feb 24, 2026 2:42:23 AM

Synopsis:
The Japan Pivot Podcast explores how Japan is changing—and why global attention is returning. Shifts in markets, business practices, policy, and technology are creating new momentum, opening opportunities for innovation and long-untapped potential. Through conversations with leaders and innovators, the series examines why the world is pivoting toward Japan, and how Japan is engaging more directly with the world.

Mayoran Rajendra, Managing Director, Head of AI Transformation Office - SMBC Group, explores how AI is being applied inside financial institutions—cutting through the hype to discuss real-world use cases, operational constraints, and what it takes to deploy AI responsibly at scale in Japan’s financial system.