May 18, 2026 Approval of the Decision by Fund Corporation for the Overseas Development of Japan’s ICT and Postal Services (JICT) on the Target Project for Support

(Expansion of an AI Platform for Auto Loans through an Acquisition in the United Kingdom (hereinafter the "Target Project"))

　JICT (President and CEO: OSHIMA Amane) submitted an application for approval of its decision to provide support for the Target Project, and the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) approved the application as submitted on February 12, 2026. This announcement is being made following the completion of the necessary coordination among the parties concerned.

1　 Background

　JICT submitted an application to the MIC for approval of its decision to support the Target Project, pursuant to Article 25, Paragraph 2 of the Act on the Fund Corporation for the Overseas Development of Japan’s ICT and Postal Services (Act No. 35 of 2015).

　In response to the application, the MIC examined the details of the support and the Target Project based on the JICT Support Standards (MIC Notice No. 412 of 2015). As a result, the MIC concluded that the application met the requirements of the JICT Support Standards. On February 12, 2026, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications approved JICT’s decision on the Target Project, as applied.

2　 Target Project

　Aiming for the strengthening and expansion of an AI platform for auto loans in the United Kingdom, JICT, together with ITOCHU Corporation ("ITOCHU"), will provide financial support through an investment of up to GBP 28 million.

　The Target Project involves an investment in CARMONEY Limited, which operates an online broker platform for auto loans in the United Kingdom and has strengths in AI-based matching systems. By further incorporating expertise in AI utilization cultivated by the ITOCHU Group through its related businesses, the Target Project aims to develop advanced financial ICT services utilizing AI. These efforts will contribute to strengthening the international competitiveness of Japanese operators in the field of AI-enabled ICT services.

[Overview]

• ■ Target Project: Expansion of an AI Platform for Auto Loans through an Acquisition in the United Kingdom
• ■ Target region: The United Kingdom
• ■ Amount approved for JICT's support decision: Up to GBP 28 million
• ■ Co-investor: ITOCHU Corporation

(Reference) JICT

　JICT is a stock company founded on November 25, 2015 under the Act on the Fund Corporation for the Overseas Development of Japan’s ICT and Postal Services. JICT provides funding and other support to those engaged in telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services overseas and their supporters, by utilizing the knowledge, technology, and experience accumulated by Japanese business operators. This support aims to increase the demand common to domestic and international telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services, and improve the profitability of Japanese business operators who meet that demand. In this way, JICT contributes to the sustainable growth of Japan's economy.