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Empowering Future Women Leaders at the 8th Asset Management Women’s Forum

On December 4, 2025, the 8th Asset Management Women’s Forum (AMWF), backed by Asset Management One Co., Ltd. (Tokyo), hosted a pivotal event titled "The Canvas of Leadership: Exploring Future Careers through Personal Experiences." This event aimed to support the promotion of women in leadership roles within the asset management industry, featuring engagement from about 30 participants who attended in person.

Event Overview

The forum was structured in two distinct parts. The first part featured a panel discussion led by three current female executives:

1. Masako Ito, Deputy Head of Planning at Asset Management One and Director of the Future Nurturing Research Institute.
2. Makiko Fujimura, Head of Institutional Investor Sales at Wellington Management Japan.
3. Yuko Hayashi, Head of the Investment Trust Sales Second Group at Nippon Life Asset Management.

Moderated by Yurika Kawafune, Head of Operations at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, the panelists candidly shared their experiences regarding their ascension to management roles, the appeal of management, the balance between family and work, and the challenges of nurturing subordinates. Their messages emphasized the importance of having diverse backgrounds and values represented in leadership roles.

Feedback from participants highlighted the value of the discussion, with many expressing that hearing firsthand accounts of leadership experiences and challenges provided them with valuable insights for shaping their own careers. Over 90% of attendees reported satisfaction with the event in follow-up surveys.

Interactive Discussions

The second part of the forum allowed participants to engage in group discussions moderated by the featured executives. These discussions focused on the challenges and questions surrounding career development. Participants voiced feelings of reassurance in discovering that peers from the same industry shared similar concerns, and many found various perspectives from different positions to be beneficial.

Feedback such as "I felt relieved to know that my female colleagues in other firms face similar issues" and "Hearing diverse viewpoints was enlightening" reinforced the value of collaborative dialogue at the forum.

The event concluded with a networking session, allowing participants to exchange information regarding their careers and the industry in a vibrant atmosphere.

Addressing Concerns of Future Female Leaders

The AMWF event was organized as a direct response to insights gained from a survey conducted at last year’s 6th management-level event. It aimed to alleviate fears that female executives face prior to being appointed to leadership positions. The forum confirmed the importance of creating spaces where participants can share and visualize their career trajectories.

Strategic initiatives through AMWF continue to draw attention to the pressing need for female empowerment in the asset management industry. Asset Management One remains committed to these efforts, aiming to foster environments where women can thrive.

About the Asset Management Women’s Forum (AMWF)

The AMWF is a collaborative network dedicated to enhancing the role of women within the asset management industry. Launched in May 2022, the forum believes that human resources are the cornerstone of not only competitive advantage but also innovation. By respecting diversity and creating new value, the AMWF strives to support the long-term growth of the entire industry through the promotion of women's contributions.

Goals of AMWF:

• - Provide opportunities for professionals within the industry to connect and cultivate an environment conducive to women's activities.
• - Share best practices across companies to bolster the acceleration of women's involvement in the industry.
• - Increase awareness of women's roles in asset management through outreach beyond the industry.

Overall, the AMWF is a guiding force pushing forward female leadership and empowerment across the asset management sector.

For inquiries related to the AMWF, please contact:

• - 2025 AMWF Chair: Amova Asset Management Co., Ltd.
• - Email: [email protected]

• - 2025 AMWF Vice Chair and PR Lead: Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd.
• - Email: [email protected]

For more information, visit the AMWF website: AMWF Website

About Asset Management One

Established in October 2016, Asset Management One is a prominent player in the asset management industry, with approximately 76 trillion yen in assets under management across both investment advisory and investment trust sectors. The company harnesses its extensive experience to provide top-tier solutions for both individual and institutional investors under the corporate message, "Nurturing the Future through the Power of Investment." For more details, visit their Official Website.

This event marks a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and supportive framework for aspiring female leaders in the financial sector.