Strong business franchise in domestic corporate and retail banking markets Above average profitability compared to other Japanese major banks High probability of receiving support from the Japanese government, if necessary, given the bank's important role in the domestic financial system Capitalization weak in terms of quality Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. (SMFG; A/Stable/A-1) is one of three mega-bank groups in Japan, with consolidated total assets amounting to ¥111 trillion as of September 2008. SMFG has a broad customer base, including companies in the Mitsui and Sumitomo corporate groups. While banking operations account for the majority of SMFG's revenue, the group offers diversified financial services, including securities, credit card services, leasing, and consumer finance. SMFG's ratio of consolidated problem loans, net
