#Japan #Tokyo #Funds #ToshiYasu Ohashi #Japanese Finance

Funds Inc. Welcomes ToshiYasu Ohashi as Special Advisor

Funds Inc., based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is thrilled to announce the appointment of ToshiYasu Ohashi as a special advisor effective May 1, 2025. As a renowned credit analyst who previously served as the Chief Credit Analyst at Daiwa Securities, Ohashi brings invaluable expertise to advance the company’s fixed-income investment services.

Profile of ToshiYasu Ohashi

ToshiYasu Ohashi holds a Master's degree in Engineering from Waseda University Graduate School and another Master's in International Public Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. He has held significant roles in Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. and Daiwa Institute of Research before dedicating himself to credit analysis at Daiwa Securities since 2001. Notably, he has consistently ranked among the top five analysts in the Nikkei Veritas Analyst Ranking since 2010 and has maintained a second-place ranking for five consecutive years beginning in 2020. Additionally, he has been the Director of Financial Market Research since 2020 and will transition to a role as a special advisor at Funds Inc. in 2025.

Ohashi firmly believes that revitalizing the corporate bond market will diversify corporate financing and promote a cultural shift from saving to investing. He is the author of "The Future of the Bond Market: Towards Diversified Financing and Asset Management," published in September 2024, and leads private study groups on bond market discussions.

Ohashi's Vision at Funds

In his statement, Ohashi expressed his excitement about joining Funds and the opportunity to rectify Japan's over-reliance on bank loans in corporate finance. He sees direct finance as a way to diversify funding sources for publicly listed companies, allowing investors to enhance their asset management strategies beyond the traditional binary of deposits or stock investments.

Ohashi emphasizes the importance of transitioning a significant portion of household financial assets, currently exceeding 200 trillion yen, from low-risk deposits to medium-risk debt products, thereby facilitating a smoother shift from savings to investments. He acknowledges the recent volatility in the stock market and the shift away from deflation, highlighting the necessity for accessible debt products in the current financial environment.

With his extensive background in credit analysis and direct finance, Ohashi is eager to contribute to the growth and expansion of Funds’ innovative financial services, aiming to deliver solutions to address the uncertainties of the future.

Insights from Funds' CEO, Yuichiro Fujita

Yuichiro Fujita, CEO of Funds, highlighted the company's mission of providing answers to financial uncertainties since launching the Funds platform in January 2019. Funds has addressed societal financial challenges by offering investors new asset management options and enabling companies to secure growth capital. To date, Funds has successfully launched over 520 funds, raising nearly 90 billion yen, with zero cases of principal loss or payment delays.

Based on the strong foundation of trust and achievements developed over the past six years, Funds aims to enhance its product offerings further and realize its vision of creating a national asset management service. Fujita noted aspirations for international expansion, synergies between financial and real estate sectors, and plans to implement AI in the review process. A priority initiative is developing bonds for companies engaged in direct financing through Funds.

Fujita expressed confidence in welcoming ToshiYasu Ohashi to the team, perceiving it as a significant advantage for the organization. With promising new members joining the group, the company aims for a comprehensive platform centered on debt finance, aspiring to establish its position as a leading asset management service for the public.

Understanding Funds

Funds provides a unique online platform that allows individuals to lend money indirectly to publicly listed companies, starting from as little as 1 yen. Through this innovative approach, the company has facilitated 521 funds with a focus on publicly listed enterprises, recording zero cases of delays or loan defaults as of April 2025. The service aims to foster stronger connections between individual investors and companies through money, creating new values in the financial landscape.

Key Features of Fixed Income Investment "Funds"

• - Stable Fixed Returns: Funds offer financial products that ensure fixed returns, allowing for asset growth without the direct impact of market fluctuations.
• - Investment from 1 Yen: Recognizing the barriers for novice investors, Funds permits investments starting at just 1 yen.
• - Carefully Selected Enterprises: Only those companies that meet rigorous financial and operational criteria can participate in Funds’ financing.
• - Exclusive Benefits: Certain funds provide exclusive investor perks, including discounts and invitations to exclusive tasting events. Funds aims to facilitate mutual understanding through financial interactions.

Background of Funds Inc.

Founded by Yuichiro Fujita in November 2016, Funds Inc. operates a cutting-edge financial platform and has since made significant strides in democratizing access to finance.

For more information on Funds, visit the official website.