Launch of "BlackRock Japan Multi–Income Equity Fund" in Hong Kong in Cooperation with BlackRock

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (President & Group CEO: Yasuhiro Sato) in cooperation with BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited have launched "BlackRock Japan Multi–Income Equity Fund" in Hong Kong based on the business alliance between Mizuho and BlackRock, Inc. (Chairman & CEO: Larry D. Fink).

"BlackRock Japan Multi–Income Equity Fund" is a mutual fund investing in Japanese equity and J–REIT for investors in Hong Kong. The fund is managed by BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited and advised by Mizuho; Japanese equity strategy is advised by Mizuho Trust & Banking Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Takeo Nakano) and J–REIT strategy is advised by Mizuho Asset Management Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Hidetake Nakamura). Mizuho and BlackRock cooperate to provide asset management capabilities and offer an investment product focusing on Japanese economic growth to the Hong Kong market.

The fund will be distributed to the Hong Kong retail market through the distribution channels of BlackRock.

The launch of the fund further develops Mizuho's asset management capabilities and enhances its product development capabilities in asset management business, which is one of Mizuho's key focus areas.

About the business alliance with BlackRock

Mizuho and BlackRock entered into the business alliance in March 2011 to promote business collaboration in Japan and Asia. After that, both companies are strengthening business cooperation in Asia, including product development and distribution in Japan.