Mizuho Financial Group (MFG) clarifies media reports on potential Rakuten Bank investment

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Mizuho Financial Group submitted a Form 6-K to clarify media reports about a potential investment in Rakuten Bank, Ltd. The company states that the information reported by Yomiuri Shimbun was not announced by Mizuho. It confirms that various examinations are underway, including the possibility of investing in Rakuten Bank, based on a February 25, 2026 announcement by Rakuten Group and Rakuten Bank about renewed discussions on reorganizing Rakuten’s FinTech business. Mizuho emphasizes that no decision has been made at present and commits to disclosing any pertinent information in a timely and appropriate manner once a decision is reached.

Insights

Banking sector and disclosure practices analyst

Mizuho clarifies media reports and signals early-stage evaluations, with no binding decision yet.

Mizuho Financial Group addresses newspaper reports about a potential investment in Rakuten Bank, stressing that the reported details did not originate from the company. This positions the situation as rumor clarification rather than a confirmed strategic move.

The filing confirms that Mizuho is examining various options, including a possible investment, in light of Rakuten’s February 25, 2026 announcement on reorganizing its FinTech business. However, it explicitly notes that no decision has been made, limiting immediate strategic clarity.

The commitment to disclose information in a “timely and appropriate manner” signals adherence to market disclosure rules. Any future 6-K or related announcement, once a decision is taken, would provide concrete terms and clarify the strategic and financial impact of any transaction.

Key Figures

Form type: Form 6-K Stock code: 8411 Filing date: May 18, 2026 +1 more

4 metrics

Form type Form 6-K Report of foreign private issuer

Stock code 8411 Tokyo Stock Exchange (Prime Market)

Filing date May 18, 2026 Date of Mizuho statement

Reference announcement date February 25, 2026 Rakuten Group and Rakuten Bank FinTech reorganization notice

Key Terms

Form 6-K, foreign private issuer, Re-Commencement of Discussions toward the Reorganization of Rakuten’s FinTech Business, timely and appropriate manner

4 terms

Form 6-K regulatory

"FORM 6-K REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16"

A Form 6-K is a report that companies listed in certain countries file to provide important updates, such as financial results, corporate changes, or other significant information, to regulators and investors. It functions like an official company update or news release, helping investors stay informed about developments that could affect their investment decisions.

foreign private issuer regulatory

"FORM 6-K REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16"

A foreign private issuer is a company organized outside the United States that meets tests showing it is primarily foreign-controlled and therefore qualifies for a different set of U.S. reporting rules. For investors, that means the company files less frequent or differently formatted disclosures with U.S. regulators and may follow home-country accounting and governance practices, so buying its stock is like dining at a well-reviewed restaurant that follows its home kitchen’s rules instead of the local menu — you get access but should check what standards apply.

Re-Commencement of Discussions toward the Reorganization of Rakuten’s FinTech Business financial

"titled “Notice Concerning the Re-Commencement of Discussions toward the Reorganization of Rakuten’s FinTech Business”"

timely and appropriate manner regulatory

"We will disclose any pertinent information in a timely and appropriate manner once a decision is made"

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of May 2026

Commission File Number 001-33098

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

5-5, Otemachi 1-chome

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8176

Japan

(Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F  ☐

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date:		May 18, 2026
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
By:		/s/ Makoto Samejima
Name:		Makoto Samejima
Title:		Senior Managing Corporate Executive / Group CFO

May 18, 2026

To whom it may concern:

Company Name:		Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
Representative:		Masahiro Kihara, President & Group CEO
Head Office:		1-5-5 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Stock Code Number:		8411
		(Tokyo Stock Exchange (Prime Market))

Regarding News Reports

Yomiuri Shimbun carried reports yesterday about our investment in Rakuten Bank, Ltd. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Tomotaka Torin). However, this information was not announced by our company.

Although we are currently conducting various examinations, including the possibility of investing in Rakuten Bank, Ltd., based on the announcement dated February 25, 2026, made by Rakuten Group, Inc. (Head Office: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Chairman & CEO: Hiroshi Mikitani) and Rakuten Bank, titled “Notice Concerning the Re-Commencement of Discussions toward the Reorganization of Rakuten’s FinTech Business” , we have not made any decision at present. We will disclose any pertinent information in a timely and appropriate manner once a decision is made on the disclosure of such information.

End of document

FAQ

What did Mizuho Financial Group (MFG) say about reports on investing in Rakuten Bank?

Mizuho stated that news reports about its investment in Rakuten Bank did not come from the company. It clarified that, while options are being examined, including a potential investment, no decision has been made and any decision will be disclosed appropriately.

Is Mizuho Financial Group (MFG) currently investing in Rakuten Bank, Ltd.?

Mizuho has not decided to invest in Rakuten Bank at this time. The company is examining various possibilities, including an investment, but clearly notes that no decision has been reached and future decisions will be disclosed when appropriate.

What prior announcement is Mizuho referencing regarding Rakuten’s FinTech business?

Mizuho refers to a February 25, 2026 announcement by Rakuten Group and Rakuten Bank. That announcement concerned the re-commencement of discussions toward reorganizing Rakuten’s FinTech business, which forms the background for Mizuho’s current examinations.

How will Mizuho Financial Group (MFG) inform investors about any decision on Rakuten Bank?

Mizuho states it will disclose any pertinent information in a timely and appropriate manner once a decision is made. This indicates future formal announcements or filings if a concrete decision about Rakuten Bank is reached.

Why did Mizuho Financial Group (MFG) file this Form 6-K in May 2026?

Mizuho filed the Form 6-K to address and clarify newspaper reports about a potential investment in Rakuten Bank. The filing ensures investors receive the company’s official position that evaluations are ongoing but no decision has been made yet.

Does this disclosure indicate a definitive deal between Mizuho and Rakuten Bank?

The disclosure does not indicate a definitive deal. It only confirms that Mizuho is examining various options, including a possible investment, and explicitly states that no decision has been made regarding any transaction with Rakuten Bank.