Snapshot of 8 October 2026 · ICANN APS, public fields

Applications / .smtb / SMTB2697T-T39810 · published by ICANN 7 October 2026 · snapshot 2026-10-08

.smtb

Brand TLD · Spec 13Active

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited, JP Q1·Q25

ICANN record ↗

§ 1 — Meaning of the string Q118·Q120

SMTB is the corporate acronym and brand of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited, formed from the initial letters of the bank's English name. The string is protected by Japanese trademark registration No. 5377621 (standard-character mark "SMTB", classes 35)

e.sɯ.e.mɯ.tiː.biː

§ 2 — Mission and purpose Q133

The .smtb top-level domain is intended to benefit Internet users by enabling Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited hereinafter “The Company”) to communicate more easily, securely and effectively with all Internet users, particularly its customers, employees and affiliates. The TLD will serve as a dedicated branding, technology and services platform for The Company’s mission and its businesses.

Mission and purpose. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited is a corporation headquartered at 4-1 Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Its registered purpose comprises trust business; the acceptance of deposits and instalment savings, lending of funds, the discounting of bills and exchange transactions; the guarantee of obligations, the acceptance of bills and other business incidental to banking; the underwriting, offering and secondary distribution of national government bonds, local government bonds, government-guaranteed bonds and other securities, and the trading and other business that a bank or trust company may conduct under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act; business that a bank or trust company may conduct under the Secured Bonds Trust Act and other laws; and matters incidental or related to those businesses.

“smtb” is the Company’s own corporate brand, by which The Company is known to its customers and by which it is identified online. The purpose of the .smtb TLD is to provide a trusted, exclusively controlled namespace — operated by or on behalf of The Company — for the distribution and exchange of information among The Company and its stakeholders via websites, applications, email and other online services that reside within the .smtb space. By consolidating The Company’s online presence under a single authoritative TLD, .smtb gives users a reliable signal of authenticity and reduces the risk of phishing, spoofing and brand abuse. For a trust bank, that assurance is of particular value: financial institutions are among the most heavily impersonated organisations online, and a namespace under the Company’s exclusive control allows customers to distinguish the Company’s genuine services from fraudulent imitations.

Intended registrants and users. .smtb is a single-registrant “.brand” TLD operated under ICANN Registry Agreement Specification 13. The Company will be the sole registrant: it intends to reserve all names in the TLD and to register and use second-level domains for its own purposes and those of its group companies. Any third-party use of a domain would occur only under a contract with The Company that limits use to purposes The Company specifies, enforced through monitoring and prompt action. The users of the TLD are The Company’s customers, employees, partners and affiliates worldwide, who will rely on .smtb domains to reach The Company’s official online services.

Activities to achieve this purpose. The Company will use .smtb domains for its corporate and product websites, customer-facing and online banking services, secure communications and email, and may provide related services such as hosting, content delivery and marketing.

Sustainability over time. The Company was incorporated on July 28, 1925 and has operated continuously since. The .smtb TLD is intended as long-term infrastructure for that business, not as a speculative or transitional namespace, and The Company intends to operate it for the full term of the Registry Agreement and to renew it thereafter.

Competition, differentiation and innovation. .smtb does not compete with existing generic TLDs for registrations, because it is not open to third-party registration. It differentiates The Company’s authentic online presence from look-alike domains in open TLDs, and allows The Company to design a namespace whose structure reflects its own products, services and organisation rather than the constraints of a shared registry.

§ 3 — Commitments and safeguards Q164–Q188

More trustworthy, consumer risk, regulated sector, government reporting, harm, government function Q164–Q169No to each
Voluntary Safeguard PICs Q170·Q171None · 90 applications in the round offer some
Registry Voluntary Commitments Q172·Q173None · 5 do
Brand TLD criteria confirmed, trademark certificate attached Q180·Q181Yes · certificate not published
Confirms the string is not a “generic string” Q183Yes
Spec 11 §3(d) statement Q184

The proposed registration policies for .smtb do not conflict with Specification 11.

Specification 11, Section 3(d) applies only where the applied-for string is a "generic string," meaning a word or term that denominates or describes a general class of goods, services, groups, organizations, or things, as opposed to distinguishing a specific brand. .smtb is not such a generic string. It is the applying entity's registered trademark, issued before the filing of this application, and is used by the applying entity and/or its affiliates in connection with the goods and services claimed by that registration. The string functions as a proprietary brand identifier, not as a dictionary or category term.

The applying entity intends to operate .smtb as a single-registrant brand TLD under Specification 13, with domain registrations limited to the applying entity and its affiliates or other authorized brand users. That limitation is a legitimate brand-control and consumer-protection measure. It preserves the trademark's source-identifying function, reduces phishing, impersonation, and other abuse risks, and ensures that names in the TLD are associated with authorized .smtb purposes.

Because .smtb is brand-distinctive and not generic, the exclusive-registration concern addressed by Specification 11, Section 3(d) is not implicated. The applying entity will observe the applicable mandatory Specification 11 safeguard public interest commitments, while relying on the Registry Operator Code of Conduct exemption available to qualifying Specification 13 brand TLDs under Specification 9, Section 6.

§ 4 — All other published answers

Every other answer ICANN published for this application, in the order of the form. Contact details (Q17–Q24) are left to the ICANN record.

Q212Q4.2-1 - Provide the applying entity’s self-certification document, signed by the CEO, President, CFO and/or equivalent officer of the applying entity. If financial statements are provided by a Qualified Parent Entity (QPE), the CEO, President, CFO, and/or equivalent officer of the QPE must co-sign the certification document. The self-certification document must represent and warrant: SC4.2-1.1 - The applying entity and/or a QPE will fund the startup and long-term operation of all applied-for gTLD strings and (if applicable) currently operated gTLDs of a QPE. SC4.2-1.2 - The applying entity or QPE has at a minimum of US$50,000 plus 25% of the application base fee for each applied-for gTLD string in Cash and Cash Equivalents on the balance sheet of the provided financial statements, up to a maximum of US$300,000, designated to support the startup and operation of all of the applying entity’s applied-for gTLD strings. SC4.2-1.3 - The applying entity and/or its officers are bound by law in its jurisdiction to represent financial statements accurately and the applying entity is in good standing in that jurisdiction.

Q4.2-1 - Provide the applying entity’s self-certification document, signed by the CEO, President, CFO and/or equivalent officer of the applying entity. If financial statements are provided by a Qualified Parent Entity (QPE), the CEO, President, CFO, and/or equivalent officer of the QPE must co-sign the certification document. The self-certification document must represent and warrant: SC4.2-1.1 - The applying entity and/or a QPE will fund the startup and long-term operation of all applied-for gTLD strings and (if applicable) currently operated gTLDs of a QPE. SC4.2-1.2 - The applying entity or QPE has at a minimum of US$50,000 plus 25% of the application base fee for each applied-for gTLD string in Cash and Cash Equivalents on the balance sheet of the provided financial statements, up to a maximum of US$300,000, designated to support the startup and operation of all of the applying entity’s applied-for gTLD strings. SC4.2-1.3 - The applying entity and/or its officers are bound by law in its jurisdiction to represent financial statements accurately and the applying entity is in good standing in that jurisdiction.

Answered with a document. Attachments are not published by ICANN.

Q220Q5.1-1 - Provide the applying entity’s self-certification document, signed by the CEO, President, CFO and/or equivalent officer of the applying entity. The self-certification document must represent and warrant: SC5.1-1.1 - The applying entity will appropriately protect confidentiality of data and prevent unauthorized access to data and services. SC5.1-1.2 - The applying entity will maintain a mature, appropriately funded and staffed security program, following a recognized, modern security framework based on risk management (such as the ISO27000 series, COBIT, HITRUST CSF, legally required security frameworks, or equivalent). The security program must be in place prior to delegation, and exist through at least the period of the registry agreement. SC5.1-1.3 - The applying entity is aware of and has designed its systems and business to comply with the relevant privacy and security regulations for all countries in which it operates.

Q5.1-1 - Provide the applying entity’s self-certification document, signed by the CEO, President, CFO and/or equivalent officer of the applying entity. The self-certification document must represent and warrant: SC5.1-1.1 - The applying entity will appropriately protect confidentiality of data and prevent unauthorized access to data and services. SC5.1-1.2 - The applying entity will maintain a mature, appropriately funded and staffed security program, following a recognized, modern security framework based on risk management (such as the ISO27000 series, COBIT, HITRUST CSF, legally required security frameworks, or equivalent). The security program must be in place prior to delegation, and exist through at least the period of the registry agreement. SC5.1-1.3 - The applying entity is aware of and has designed its systems and business to comply with the relevant privacy and security regulations for all countries in which it operates.

Answered with a document. Attachments are not published by ICANN.

Q221Q5.2-1 - Provide the applying entity’s self-certification document, signed by the CEO, President, CFO and/or equivalent officer of the applying entity. The self-certification document must represent and warrant: SC5.2-1.1 - The applying entity will, no later than delegation of the Top Level Domain (TLD), establish a dedicated abuse point of contact responsible for addressing matters requiring expedited attention and providing a timely response to abuse complaints concerning any name registered in the TLD. SC5.2-1.2 - The applying entity will, no later than delegation of the TLD, establish, publish, and provide to ICANN the location of a mechanism for members of the public to submit reports of abuse in accordance with the current obligations of the Base RA and any Consensus Policies. SC5.2-1.3 - The applying entity has developed proposed measures for removal of orphan glue records for names removed from the zone when provided with evidence in written form that the glue is present in connection with malicious conduct (see Specification 6). SC5.2-1.4 - The applying entity has or will have at time of delegation, established policies for handling complaints regarding abuse. Such policies are to be maintained and posted publicly so that anyone can review the policies via the Internet and any other means deemed appropriate by the applying entity. The applying entity’s policies at a minimum should contain appropriate confirmation of the receipt of the abuse report, the process of review of the report, and actions that will be taken if the applying entity confirms the report is legitimate. SC5.2-1.5 - The applying entity understands that DNS Abuse is Phishing, Malware, Botnets, Pharming and Spam (when used to deliver other forms of DNS Abuse). The applying entity understands and is prepared to contribute to the mitigation or disruption of DNS Abuse in domains in the TLD zone. SC5.2-1.6 - The applying entity’s abuse response capabilities are resourced appropriately to ensure a timely and adequate investigation and response to reports of DNS Abuse. This includes capabilities to receive and evaluate evidence of DNS Abuse in reports, and to take action to stop or disrupt the DNS Abuse. SC5.2-1.7 - The applying entity is prepared to conduct periodic scans of its zone to identify if domains are being used to perpetrate DNS Abuse, and to maintain statistical reports of the scans, the findings, and actions taken.

Q5.2-1 - Provide the applying entity’s self-certification document, signed by the CEO, President, CFO and/or equivalent officer of the applying entity. The self-certification document must represent and warrant: SC5.2-1.1 - The applying entity will, no later than delegation of the Top Level Domain (TLD), establish a dedicated abuse point of contact responsible for addressing matters requiring expedited attention and providing a timely response to abuse complaints concerning any name registered in the TLD. SC5.2-1.2 - The applying entity will, no later than delegation of the TLD, establish, publish, and provide to ICANN the location of a mechanism for members of the public to submit reports of abuse in accordance with the current obligations of the Base RA and any Consensus Policies. SC5.2-1.3 - The applying entity has developed proposed measures for removal of orphan glue records for names removed from the zone when provided with evidence in written form that the glue is present in connection with malicious conduct (see Specification 6). SC5.2-1.4 - The applying entity has or will have at time of delegation, established policies for handling complaints regarding abuse. Such policies are to be maintained and posted publicly so that anyone can review the policies via the Internet and any other means deemed appropriate by the applying entity. The applying entity’s policies at a minimum should contain appropriate confirmation of the receipt of the abuse report, the process of review of the report, and actions that will be taken if the applying entity confirms the report is legitimate. SC5.2-1.5 - The applying entity understands that DNS Abuse is Phishing, Malware, Botnets, Pharming and Spam (when used to deliver other forms of DNS Abuse). The applying entity understands and is prepared to contribute to the mitigation or disruption of DNS Abuse in domains in the TLD zone. SC5.2-1.6 - The applying entity’s abuse response capabilities are resourced appropriately to ensure a timely and adequate investigation and response to reports of DNS Abuse. This includes capabilities to receive and evaluate evidence of DNS Abuse in reports, and to take action to stop or disrupt the DNS Abuse. SC5.2-1.7 - The applying entity is prepared to conduct periodic scans of its zone to identify if domains are being used to perpetrate DNS Abuse, and to maintain statistical reports of the scans, the findings, and actions taken.

Answered with a document. Attachments are not published by ICANN.

Q119Script of String

Script of String

Latin

Q121As per Section 3(d) of Specification 11 of the Base Registry Agreement, a registry operator of a “generic string” may not impose eligibility criteria for registering names in the TLD that limit registrations exclusively to a single person or entity and/or that person’s or entity’s “Affiliates” (as defined in Section 2.9(c) of the Registry Agreement). “Generic String” means a string consisting of a word or term that denominates or describes a general class of goods, services, groups, organizations or things, as opposed to distinguishing a specific brand of goods, services, groups, organizations or things from those of others. Confirm that the applied-for string is not a “generic string” in which the applying entity intends to limit registrations exclusively to a single person or entity.

As per Section 3(d) of Specification 11 of the Base Registry Agreement, a registry operator of a “generic string” may not impose eligibility criteria for registering names in the TLD that limit registrations exclusively to a single person or entity and/or that person’s or entity’s “Affiliates” (as defined in Section 2.9(c) of the Registry Agreement). “Generic String” means a string consisting of a word or term that denominates or describes a general class of goods, services, groups, organizations or things, as opposed to distinguishing a specific brand of goods, services, groups, organizations or things from those of others. Confirm that the applied-for string is not a “generic string” in which the applying entity intends to limit registrations exclusively to a single person or entity.

true

Q222If the applying entity wishes to provide any additional information or supporting materials that the applying entity believes may be of interest to the public or relevant to the application, please include them here.

If the applying entity wishes to provide any additional information or supporting materials that the applying entity believes may be of interest to the public or relevant to the application, please include them here.

Answered with a document. Attachments are not published by ICANN.

Q223By submitting this Application, the applying entity confirms that it is submitting this Application with a good faith (“bona fide”) intent to operate the gTLD for which it has applied, and that the applying entity has read and understands the provisions of Section 5.2.3.1 Prohibited Communications and Activities of the Applicant Guidebook regarding the New gTLD Program rules prohibiting certain communications and activities to prevent parties from privately resolving string contention among themselves.

By submitting this Application, the applying entity confirms that it is submitting this Application with a good faith (“bona fide”) intent to operate the gTLD for which it has applied, and that the applying entity has read and understands the provisions of Section 5.2.3.1 Prohibited Communications and Activities of the Applicant Guidebook regarding the New gTLD Program rules prohibiting certain communications and activities to prevent parties from privately resolving string contention among themselves.

true

Q224By submitting this Application, the applying entity confirms that it has read and understands the provisions of Section 5.2.3.1 Prohibited Communications and Activities of the Applicant Guidebook regarding the New gTLD Program rules prohibiting certain communications and activities to prevent parties from privately resolving string contention among themselves.

By submitting this Application, the applying entity confirms that it has read and understands the provisions of Section 5.2.3.1 Prohibited Communications and Activities of the Applicant Guidebook regarding the New gTLD Program rules prohibiting certain communications and activities to prevent parties from privately resolving string contention among themselves.

true