Natixis CIB Strengthens Investment Banking Operations in Japan

Natixis CIB Strengthens Investment Banking in Japan

Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) has announced plans to significantly enhance its investment banking operations in Japan, pending approval from the Financial Services Agency. The investment banking sector will be expanded through the creation of a new division focused on Investment Banking Real Assets (IBRA) and M&A activities. As a part of this expansion strategy and a demonstration of its strong commitment to the Japanese market, Natixis CIB has reached an agreement to acquire all shares of the renowned M&A advisory firm, SSA. Starting January 1, 2027, SSA team members will officially join Natixis CIB's Japan operations.

Garry Chan, co-founder and CEO of SSA, will lead Natixis CIB's new investment banking division in Japan. He will report to Emmanuel Giere-Lagarde, head of Real Assets, Global Trade, and Credit Portfolio Resource Management for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Raghu Nair, head of Investment Banking in the same region, and Makito Nagahiro, representative for Natixis in Japan.

In addition, Kenta Renek, Managing Director at SSA, will be appointed as the head of M&A operations within the investment banking division, reporting to Miranda Zhao, head of M&A for the Asia Pacific and Middle East region, and Garry Chan.

Furthermore, Fumiaki Sato, co-founder and CEO of SSA, will serve as an executive advisor to Natixis Bank's Tokyo branch.

Founded in 2009, SSA specializes in providing independent financial advisory services in the technology, media, and telecom (TMT) sector, and has since expanded its operations into the infrastructure sector. The firm is recognized as one of Japan's leading financial advisors, providing services to both domestic and international prominent corporations and financial sponsors.

By combining SSA’s deep knowledge and proven track record in the Japanese market with Natixis CIB’s extensive global platform, the corporation aims to establish a structure that offers high-value, comprehensive financial solutions unique to the group.

Fabrice Croppi, Global Head of the IBRA division at Natixis CIB, commented, “The IBRA division is at the core of Natixis CIB's network of financial experts who collaborate across diverse teams in key areas such as advanced financial scheme development, investment and asset sales, fund procurement, liquidity management, corporate valuation enhancement, public offerings, credit ratings acquisition, capital policy formulation, and risk management.” He also expressed enthusiasm about strengthening the provision of comprehensive solutions to support strategic decision-making for clients addressing complex challenges and opportunities in Japan.

Bruno Le Saint, CEO for the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions at Natixis CIB, noted that enhancing investment banking operations in Japan aligns with the company's “scale-up” strategy on a global level and within the Asia Pacific and Middle East. This strategy aims to provide even greater value to clients while positively contributing to the sustainable development of the Japanese economy. He emphasized that leveraging the firm’s extensive expertise globally will strengthen support for Japan-based customers, as well as for customers operating in Japan from all around the world in key sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, insurance, transportation, healthcare, communications, and technology.

Makito Nagahiro also expressed his pride in welcoming SSA's accomplished team into the Natixis group and reaffirmed the company's ongoing commitment to the Japanese market, emphasizing that the enhancement of investment banking operations accelerates strategic growth following the establishment of Natixis Bank's Tokyo branch last July. He conveyed confidence that the new investment banking division will elevate capabilities in M&A advisory services and leveraged finance, providing even more comprehensive and high-value solutions to address clients' complex challenges in management.

Both Fumiaki Sato and Garry Chan expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to join Natixis CIB, stating that it was the perfect timing to transition as the Japanese investment banking market grows rapidly. They recognize that this move allows the firm to expand from being an M&A focused advisory to offering comprehensive solutions for various management challenges.

About Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (Natixis CIB)

Natixis CIB is a leading global financial institution that provides advisory, investment banking, lending, corporate banking, and capital market services to businesses, financial institutions, government agencies, and international organizations worldwide.

With experts in approximately 30 countries, Natixis CIB offers strategic advisory services to support clients’ growth and transformation efforts. The institution is also committed to aligning its financial portfolio with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and assisting customers in reducing their environmental impact resulting from business activities.

Natixis CIB is part of the BPCE Group, the second-largest banking group in France, which has strong retail networks through Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Epargne. The institution benefits from BPCE Group's robust financial foundation and high credit ratings.