This annual event brings together MUIP-backed startups and participants from MUFG to explore how next-generation finance and innovation are being implemented in practice.
Now in its third year, the event focused on how cutting-edge technologies—Generative AI, digital securities, and stablecoins—are moving into the implementation phase within real-world financial environments. Together with leading experts from Japan and abroad, including AlpacaDB, Circle, Commerce Ventures, Relcu, and Sakana AI, we engaged in in-depth discussions on how these technologies are reshaping the financial industry.
Llion Jones, Co-founder & CTO of Sakana AI and a co-creator of the Transformer architecture, spoke about the accelerating pace of AI development while also highlighting current challenges such as data efficiency and generalization. He emphasized that we have entered an era where those who effectively use AI will create a clear advantage over those who do not.
In addition, Dan Rosen and Ysbrant Marcelis from Commerce Ventures, along with Abhijat Thakur from Relcu, shared the latest U.S. case studies, demonstrating that AI-native financial services are already well into the implementation stage.
In the latter half of the program, we welcomed Hitoshi Harada from AlpacaDB and Kenta Sakakibara from Circle for discussions on the future evolution of security tokens and stablecoins as global financial infrastructure. The session also explored emerging possibilities at the intersection of AI agents and stablecoins, generating lively and forward-looking dialogue.
During the networking reception, newly supported MUIP startups (all mentioned) showcased their solutions through booth exhibitions, creating valuable opportunities for engagement with MUFG participants. Across the venue, concrete collaboration ideas and discussions around next steps emerged, reinforcing the sense that the seeds of partnership are steadily turning into action.
In the closing remarks, Hironori Kamezawa, President & Group CEO of MUFG, stated that “AI is not an equalizer, but a divider.” He emphasized MUFG’s commitment to embedding AI not merely as a tool, but as an active “role” within the organization—driving transformation toward becoming a truly AI-native enterprise. It was a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm how MUFG and MUIP aim to engage with innovation in an era of rapid change.
Detailed reports for each session will be published later in the “Insight” section of our website.
