SBI Holdings (TYO:8473) has approached regional banks about forming deeper capital ties as it steps up its push to build a nationwide banking alliance, Nikkei reported Friday.

Shimizu Bank (TYO:8364) and Tsukuba Bank (TYO:8338) are among the lenders in talks with SBI. The group holds small stakes in both and is seeking to raise its ownership to 15% or more, place executives at the banks and introduce its proprietary core banking system, according to the report.

Under the plan, new shares would be held by SBI Shinsei Bank, making participating lenders equity-method affiliates. Shimizu Bank has said it will consider adopting SBI's system and discuss additional investment and management appointments, the report said.

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