The Financial Services Agency is preparing to issue an administrative order to five major banking groups that have received public funds but booked net losses for fiscal 2002 to improve their earnings, FSA sources said Tuesday.

The order, expected to be issued as early as the end of this month, will be directed at Mizuho Financial Group Inc., UFJ Holdings Inc., Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc., Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. and Sumitomo Trust & Banking Co.

As many as 10 regional banks in similar situations will also receive the order, the sources said.