Hokuto Bank
History. The forerunner to the Hokuto Bank was the Masuda Bank, established in Yokote, Akita Prefecture in 1895. Although the Masuda Bank merged with several other banks throughout the first half of the 1900s, it changed its name to its present form in 1993 when it merged with the Akita Akebono Bank. At the time of the merger, the name Komachi Bank was floated as a possible name, but was ultimately turned down in favor of the current form. The bank has gradually diversified its range of financial services, and began to offer insurance in 2002. In the  early 2000s, the Hokuto Bank was involved numerous scandals, including embezzlement charges. This prompted the Japanese Financial Services Agency to request a plan to improve its governance. As a result, the Hokuto Bank has launched a series of initiatives, entitled "Believe" and, more recently, "Breakthrough", to improve its governance. Hokuto Bank SC. is a Japanese football club based in Akita Prefecture. They play in the Tohoku Soccer League. Their team colour is yellow.