1.   Among the biggest obstacles Japanese banks face in competing globally are the huge amount of irrecoverable loans they hold.

2.   Analysts say that these banks face the choice of either making acquisitions or being acquired.

3.   Analysts said the labor dispute was indicative of some of the problems the formerly state-controlled bank will face as it tries to compete as a private entity.

4.   And Japanese banks still face hundreds of billions of dollars in bad loans.

5.   And those confessions have raised the possibility that the bank itself could face criminal charges.

6.   As banks face stronger competition in the financial services industry, executives say they must act like sharp, fast-moving retailers selling merchandise.

7.   As banks face ballooning non-performing loans and dwindling deposits, they are increasingly reluctant to lend, creating an opportunity for consumer finance companies to profit.

8.   Banks also face rising interest rates which makes it more difficult for them to raise money.

9.   Banks face a daunting task crafting a debt restructuring plan.

10.   Banks face stiff competition and an environment that has far more banks than the economy can support.