Three regional banks in northern Japan are set to begin merger talks, people familiar with the matter said, a fresh sign that industry consolidation is gaining momentum amid the country’s declining population. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-01/japan-regional-banks-in-merger-talks-as-consolidation-heats-up?taid=6abf3b8345ab100001f5d7c4&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_content=business&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter