Outage leaves 128 shinkin banks in western Japan without ATMs or online banking

A failure in the shared banking system of the shinkin, Japan's cooperative banks, has left 128 of these lenders located west of the Tokai region without service since around 13:30 on November 6, according to Outlook India, which does not specify the time zone.

According to that outlet, ATM cash withdrawals and transfers, counter deposits and withdrawals at 3,430 branches and internet banking are not working. Shinkin banks in eastern Japan are operating normally.

Shinkin Central Bank, which jointly runs the core systems of these lenders, traces the problem to a communication breakdown involving equipment at its West Japan Centre. It suspects a hardware fault, has not yet established the exact cause and sees no signs of unauthorised access or a cyberattack, according to the same outlet.

The joint system serves 236 shinkin banks, more than 90% of the sector, split into an eastern and a western network, according to Outlook India, citing CNBC. No time has been announced for service to be restored.

Developing story: only one secondary source could be opened; a statement from Shinkin Central Bank or a Japanese outlet is needed to confirm the time, the number of lenders affected and the restoration.