Japan for regional banks for joint overseas lending

TOKYO, Apr 28 (Reuters): Japan's banking regulator is pushing regional banks to set up joint operations to help small and medium-sized Japanese firms expand abroad by offering foreign currency-based transactions and overseas loans, sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

"Our idea is for regional banks to play a fuller role in promoting clients' overseas expansion by setting up banks or joint ventures to handle foreign currency-based settlements and loans," Financial Services Agency Commissioner Ryutaro Hatanaka told a meeting of regional bank heads this month.