Japan’s second-largest bank is considering a takeover of Jefferies

Site SearchClearSEARCHAdvanced Search ➔Search ResultsSymbolsNo results foundAll NewsArticlesVideoPodcasts0 ResultsNo Results FoundAuthorsNo results foundSectionsNo results foundColumnsNo results found Japan’s second-largest bank is considering a takeover of JefferiesThe potential move is a key part of the Tokyo-headquartered group’s intention to increase competition with Wall Street’s top investment banks, according to the FTPublished: March 24, 2026 at 8:04 a.m. ETShareResizeListen(2 min)Shares in Jefferies have fallen almost 40% since the start of the year. Photo: Getty ImagesSumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, the second-largest bank in Japan, is reportedly working toward a takeover of Jefferies.The Financial Times reported that a small group within SMFG SMFG is preparing to act if Jefferies’s share price JEF continues to fall, presenting an opportunity for a move by the Tokyo-headquartered lender, according to people with knowledge of the situation. About the Author Nora RedmondNora Redmond is a MarketWatch reporter based in London.Show Conversation (0)Back To TopA Dow Jones CompanyCopyright © 2026 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved.Terms of UsePrivacy NoticeCookie NoticeArchive MarketwatchCustomer CenterContact UsNewslettersNewsroom RosterVirtual Stock ExchangeMarketWatch GuidesCopyright PolicyManage NotificationsCancel My SubscriptionCompanyDow JonesCode of ConductCorrectionsReprints & LicensingDigital Self ServiceYour Ad ChoicesCorporate SubscriptionsAccessibilityDow Jones NetworkThe Wall Street JournalBarron'sInvestor's Business DailyFinancial News Londonrealtor.comMansion GlobalDow Jones Smart MoneyIntraday Data provided by FACTSET and subject to terms of use. Historical and current end-of-day data provided by FACTSET. All quotes are in local exchange time. Real-time last sale data for U.S. stock quotes reflect trades reported through Nasdaq only. Intraday data delayed at least 15 minutes or per exchange requirements.