Barclays has appointed Takeo Kamai and Warren Kim to its cash equities business in Tokyo.
Kamai takes on the role of head of high touch sales trading, Japan. Both himself and Kim will report to Joseph Lee, head of high touch sales trading, Asia Pacific.
Read more – Barclays names APAC head of high touch sales trading
The hires add an on-the-ground high touch sales trading presence to Barclays’ existing Japan equities business, which includes a prime offering giving clients access to Japanese equity markets through the bank’s global platform.
Speaking about the appointments, Christian Treuer, head of equities distribution, APAC, said: “Clients value trusted execution partners who can combine local market expertise with global reach.
“Takeo and Warren bring extensive experience serving international investors, and their appointments enhance our ability to deliver high-quality execution and market insight in Japan.”
Kamai joins from CLSA, where he most recently led the firm’s execution services business in Japan, overseeing high touch, program and electronic trading.
Similarly, Kimmost recently headed up CLSA’s offshore sales trading business in Japan.
Paul Johnson, head of equities, APAC, added: “Japan is one of the world’s most important equity markets and remains a strategic focus for Barclays.
“We are pleased to welcome two highly experienced professionals whose expertise and long-standing client relationships will further enhance our offering and deepen our presence in this strategically important market.”
The moves align with Barclays’ broader push to grow its APAC equities business, which also spans prime, program trading and electronic trading.