LaosJDB Bank (Joint Development Bank; English name: Joint Development Bank Public Company; abbreviation: JDB) is a private bank in Laos established on October 3, 1989.With a history spanning over 30 years, the bank has garnered attention as one of Southeast Asia’s leading digital banks, notably achieving an initial public offering (IPO) on the Lao Stock Exchange (LSX) in October 2025. This page provides an overview of JDB Bank, details its main services, and explains key points for Japanese nationals opening an account.
JDB Bank Profile
| Official Name | Joint Development Bank Public Company (Abbreviation: JDB) |
|---|---|
| Established | October 3, 1989 (Started as a joint venture with Thailand) |
| Headquarters | Vientiane, Laos |
| Initial Public Offering | Laos Stock Exchange (LSX) – Listed on October 14, 2025 |
| Main Services | Checking Accounts / Time Deposits (LAK/USD/THB/CNY) / Loans / SWIFT Cross-Border Remittance / MoneyGram / Visa and UnionPay Debit Cards / Mobile Banking "JDB Yes" |
| SWIFT BIC | JDBKLALAXXX |
| JDB Call Center | (+856-21) 213531-6 / Laos Domestic Hotline 1499 |
| Official Website | jdbbank.com.la |
Why JDB Bank is Attracting Attention from Japanese Investors
There are several structural factors behind why JDB Bank is gaining attention as an option for Japanese investors looking to open overseas accounts.
- Individuals can open USD-denominated time deposits: JDB Bank offers a 6.0% interest rate (as of May 2026, officially announced) on 12-month USD time deposits for individuals.This is a relatively high rate compared to the USD fixed-term deposits offered by Japanese megabanks (0.1% to the low 2% range).
- Over 30 years of operational history and information disclosure through listing: With the bank’s listing on the LSX in 2025, the continuous disclosure of financial and governance information is progressing.
- Support for Visa and UnionPay debit cards: We offer card products such as Visa Silver, Gold, and Champa Super Gold, as well as UnionPay Debit, Gold, and Platinum.
- SWIFTDual support for cross-border remittance and MoneyGram: Customers can choose the option that best suits their needs.
JDB Can Japanese residents open a bank account?
JDBThe bank is a Laotian bank, and as a general rule, the KYC (identity verification) process must be completed locally to open an account. For residents of Japan, the practical options are either traveling to Vientiane in person or receiving document support through an agent in Japan. Our center falls under the latter category; we provide support for document preparation in partnership with our agent in Japan (our center).
Since international information exchange systems such as FATCA (Report on Foreign Accounts of U.S. Citizens) and CRS (Common Reporting Standard) also apply to Laos, tax reporting after opening an account must be properly conducted in Japan as well. For details, please refer to the Japanese Tax Reporting Guide.
Related Pages
- Account Opening Procedures
- List of Services
- Latest Information on Fees and Interest Rates
- Security, Deposit Insurance, and Regulatory Environment
- Frequently Asked Questions
Information on Account Opening Support for LaosJDB Bank
This website is an information hub operated in partnership with our center’s affiliated support desk, which provides assistance for opening JDB bank accounts in Japan. We offer support in Japanese, covering everything from document preparation and local arrangements to tax considerations.
Consult for free about opening an account →
* Please note that our center provides information and document support regarding JDB Bank, but does not act as an agent or intermediary for banking operations (as defined by the Banking Act). Actual account opening is handled directly by JDB Bank (via our center’s application form).
