On April 8-9, a delegation of the Azerbaijan Banks Association (ABA) paid a business visit to the Republic of Japan within the framework of international experience exchange programs.
Within the framework of the visit, the delegation of the Azerbaijan Banks Association first held a meeting with the Japanese Bankers Association (JBA).
At the meeting held on April 8, 2026, the ABA delegation met with the JBA leadership and experts from relevant institutions.
ABA was represented at the meeting by President Zakir Nuriyev, Executive Director Yunus Abdulov, and representatives from the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, the country's leading banks, and the Azerbaijan Credit Bureau.
The Japanese side was represented by JBA Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Yasuyuki Matsumoto and his team — Masayuki Saegusa, Yoji Oki, Ayako Suwa, and Reo Takizawa.
During the meeting, Yasuyuki Matsumoto provided information on the Japanese banking system, the country's macroeconomic situation, payment infrastructure, and development directions of digital banking.
The ABA delegation, in turn, informed the Japanese side about digitalization processes in the Azerbaijani banking sector, the expansion of payment systems, reforms carried out in the financial and banking sector, and the existing regulatory framework.
Within the framework of the visit, the delegation also participated in a series of high-level business meetings with The Japanese Banks’ Payment Clearing Network, Cooperation Agency for Anti-Money Laundering, Mizuho Bank, Money Forward, Inc., as well as the Central Bank of Japan.
During the meetings, the parties engaged in extensive discussions on advanced international practices in the banking sector, digital assets, the application of artificial intelligence technologies in the financial sector, and increasing the transparency of financial operations.
The results achieved within the framework of the visit are of great importance for further expanding cooperation between the Azerbaijani and Japanese banking sectors, implementing innovative approaches, and supporting institutional development.