Approval to Commence Preparation for Opening Shenyang Branch of SMBCCN

TOKYO, January 25, 2010 --- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC, President: Masayuki Oku) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (China) Limited (“SMBCCN”, President: Kazunori Okuyama) received approval from the China Banking Regulatory Commission on January 15, 2010, to start preparing for the establishment of a branch in Shenyang. With this approval, SMBCCN can now start taking the necessary steps to open the branch which will become its seventh branch. SMBCCN’s network in Mainland China currently comprises six branches (including Shanghai Head Office) and two sub-branches.

This is the first time for a Japanese bank to receive an approval to open a branch in the inland areas of Northeast China. Shenyang, the capital city of Liaoning Province, is an important economic and transportation hub with mature industries (heavy industries). A further development of the region’s economy is expected, however, as Liaoning Province is one of the provinces covered by the Northeast China Revitalization Plan adopted by the Chinese Government to revitalize old industrial bases. The establishment of Shenyang Branch will strengthen SMBC group’s overseas network, and will enable it to deliver enhanced services to its customers.