Press Conference by Taro Aso, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Minister for Financial Services

(Excerpt)

(Tuesday, October 15, 2013, from 9:39 am to 9:57 am)

[Questions and answers]

Q.

On the problem at Mizuho Bank, you expressed the opinion prior to departing for the G20 meeting that it was regrettable that Mizuho Bank’s explanation differed from the one it gave during the inspection, but this also points to the fact that the inspection by the Financial Services Agency did not spot Mizuho Bank’s false explanation. Please give us your views on whether there was a problem with the way the inspection was conducted.

A.

With regard to inspections conducted at individual financial institutions, I have no comment on specific interactions with the financial institutions and such. On this particular matter, an order demanding submission of a report is being carried out in accordance with Article 24 of the Banking Act and, as we would like to consider future steps in light of that report, I have no further comments at this time.

(End)