Finance

UBS Japan appoints former veteran Toriyama as head of global banking

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on July 16, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 22, 2026

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UBS Japan appoints former veteran Toriyama as head of global banking
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TOKYO (Reuters) -Swiss Bank UBS has re-hired Masazumi Toriyama to head its Japanese unit's global banking division, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters and confirmed by the company on

UBS Appoints Masazumi Toriyama as Head of Global Banking in Japan

TOKYO (Reuters) -Swiss Bank UBS has re-hired Masazumi Toriyama to head its Japanese unit's global banking division, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters and confirmed by the company on Wednesday.

Toriyama, who previously spent 18 years at UBS, will start on August 4, replacing interim head Yasunori Saku, who will become chairman of Global Banking Japan, the memo said.

The moves are part of an ongoing expansion targeting a 50% increase in the division's headcount, a UBS spokesperson said.

UBS is the latest foreign bank to expand its investment banking offering in Japan as the return of inflation and corporate governance changes has spurred M&A deal-making among Japanese firms.

Earlier in July Citigroup Inc hired veteran investment banker Akira Kiyota from Nomura Holdings and promoted insider Taiji Nagasaka as co-heads of investment banking for Japan.

UBS's Global Banking Japan current chairman, Aki Nakagawa, will move to a general advisory role, while Masashi Oka, an independent director at Japanese technology firm NEC Corp, will join as senior adviser, the memo said.

(Reporting by Miho Uranaka; Writing by Anton Bridge;Editing by Chang-Ran Kim)

Key Takeaways

  • Masazumi Toriyama appointed head of UBS Japan's global banking.
  • UBS aims for a 50% increase in division headcount.
  • UBS expands amid rising M&A deals in Japan.
  • Yasunori Saku becomes chairman of Global Banking Japan.
  • Masashi Oka joins as senior adviser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has been appointed as the head of UBS's global banking division in Japan?
Masazumi Toriyama has been re-hired to head UBS's Japanese unit's global banking division.
What is the goal of UBS's expansion in Japan?
UBS aims for a 50% increase in the headcount of its global banking division.
What recent trend has influenced foreign banks like UBS to expand in Japan?
The return of inflation and changes in corporate governance have spurred M&A deal-making among Japanese firms.
Who will replace Yasunori Saku as the head of global banking?
Masazumi Toriyama will replace interim head Yasunori Saku, who will become chairman of Global Banking Japan.
What role will Aki Nakagawa take after the leadership change?
Aki Nakagawa will move to a general advisory role after the leadership transition.

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