Episode 236 – Global Fiduciary Leaders with Professor Takatoshi Ito

On this episode of Power Your Advice, our host, Chris Battaglia, interviews Professor Takatoshi Ito from Columbia University about the future of Japan’s asset management business. The two cover recent monetary policy changes and initiatives to attract foreign investors, strengthen corporate governance, and build a more globally connected financial hub. 

The podcast comes ahead of Professor Ito’s keynote speech at the Global Fiduciary Symposium on November 12th in Tokyo, Japan. 

Topics also discussed:

• Professor Takatoshi Ito discusses Japan’s recent interest rate changes and their impact on the yen-dollar exchange rate.
• Japan’s “Asset Management Nation” initiative aims to shift household savings from low-yield deposits to diverse global investments.
• Japan is striving to attract foreign asset managers to Tokyo, enhancing its status as a financial hub.
• Reforms in corporate governance have improved Japanese equity performance, drawing increased global investor interest.
• Japan’s “Emerging Manager Program” (EMP) seeks to develop a more independent, innovative asset management industry.
• The Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) faces challenges in meeting its target allocation to alternative assets, remaining at only 2%.
• Professor Ito emphasizes the need for transparency in ESG and impact investing, ensuring clear goals for returns and social impact.

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