Shoko Chukin Bank Ltd. and Kyoto Shinkin Bank have launched a partnership in the U.S. lending business, The Nikkei reported.

Through the partnership, Kyoto Shinkin will be able to extend business loans via Shoko Chukin's New York branch to small and medium Japanese companies seeking to expand in the U.S.

The regional bank alliance had lent US$1 million to Kyoto-based aluminium processing firm Hilltop.

Struggling Japanese regional lenders are seeking new revenue opportunities in overseas markets as they struggle with negative interest rates and shrinking rural population at home.