Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) has announced plans to acquire 100% ownership of Japan’s leading robo-advisor, WealthNavi, for $664 million.
MUFG, which acquired a 15% stake in WealthNavi in February, is now offering 1950 yen per share—an 84% premium on WealthNavi’s Thursday closing price—through a tender offer to finalize the buyout.
WealthNavi, which manages over 1.3 trillion yen ($8.7 billion) in assets, has cemented its position as Japan’s largest robo-advisor, offering automated investment solutions tailored to individual goals and risk profiles.
The acquisition aligns with MUFG’s ambitions to enhance its Money Advisory Platform, which integrates AI-driven tools to provide personalized financial advice and asset management services. WealthNavi’s expertise in robo-advisory services will significantly boost MUFG’s capabilities in delivering seamless, automated financial solutions to its retail and institutional clients.
In 2020, the two companies collaborated to develop a robo-advisor tailored for MUFG Bank customers. This longstanding partnership has set the foundation for this acquisition, enabling a smoother transition and integration of WealthNavi’s operations into MUFG’s ecosystem.
MUFG stated:
“The acquisition of WealthNavi is a pivotal step in accelerating the development of our Money Advisory Platform and advancing our asset management capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
This deal reflects the growing appetite among traditional financial institutions to invest in robo-advisors as they adapt to rising demand for digital, low-cost, and accessible investment solutions. With MUFG’s backing, WealthNavi is poised to scale its offerings and solidify its position in Japan’s wealth management market.