#Japan #Tokyo #Wealth Advisory #Keyaki Capital #IFA Academy

IFA Academy Expands to Meet Growing Demand

Keyaki Capital Co., Ltd., located in Chuo, Tokyo, and MA Alternatives Co., Ltd., led by CEO Junji Kawahara, have been spearheading the IFA Academy, a co-creation program designed for professionals involved in investment and advisory services. This initiative aims to foster the development and activation of wealth advisory services in Japan, particularly for high-net-worth individuals.

The second IFA Academy workshop recently concluded with overwhelming success. Held at the FinGATE Club in Kabutocho, Tokyo, the event reached full capacity, showcasing a keen interest in the realm of wealth advisory.

Focus of the Second Session: Alternative Investments in the U.S.

The primary theme of the session centered around the current status and outlook of alternative investments targeting wealthy individuals in the United States. Noteworthy guest speaker Takashi Yoshinaga, Managing Director and Head of Research at NRI America, provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of asset allocation.

During his presentation, Yoshinaga illustrated the significant shift away from the traditional 60:40 stock-bond split toward a new model characterized by a 50:30:20 allocation that incorporates alternative investments. This shift highlights the increasing normalization of alternative assets in practical applications across the board.

Moreover, Yoshinaga discussed the growing trend among U.S. registered investment advisors (RIAs) and independent financial advisors (IFAs) to move towards Unified Managed Accounts (UMAs), which facilitate the integrated management of various assets, including mutual funds, equities, bonds, and alternatives under a single investment advisory agreement.

Upcoming Third Session: Paradigm Shifts in Investment Advisory

With registration open for the third IFA Academy, participants can expect a valuable session featuring Keiichi Ohara, CEO of Japan Asset Management Foundation, as the guest speaker. The focus will shift to the paradigm shifts in the securities and asset management industry, along with the potential growth of goal-based wrap services.

This upcoming session, scheduled for February 19, 2026, at the FinGATE Kayaba, will address the increasing interest in asset management amidst trends such as the elimination of transaction fees for stock trades and the decreasing management fees for mutual funds. However, it also highlights the ongoing structural challenges faced by financial institutions in fully capitalizing on these trends.

Particularly within traditional banking settings, the aging population of clients raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of business continuity. In response to these challenges, the session will delve into strategies aimed at attracting and retaining affluent families through goal-based fund wrap services, which are seen as a promising business model for the future.

Event Details

• - Date: February 19, 2026
• - Location: Nihonbashi (FinGATE Kayaba, 1st floor)
• - Registration: Open via the application form here. Newsletter registration is also available.

As part of its commitment to enhancing the advisory capabilities among professionals, the IFA Academy continues to provide valuable resources and insights, making it a leading platform for engagement and knowledge sharing in the investment advisory space.