Citi announced the appointment of Akira Hoshino as head of markets for Japan, effective 25 March 2025.

He will drive business growth and lead the markets franchise in Japan, building on Citi’s global footprint and comprehensive product offering. He will report to Paul Smith, head of markets for Japan, Asia North and Australia and Robert Nakamura, Citi country officer and banking head for Japan.

Hoshino has over three decades of experience in markets trading globally. He joined Citi Japan in 2019 as head of FX in addition to leading rates sales since 2022. Prior to Citi, he was head of global markets sales and trading at MUFG Bank, the chairperson of the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market Committee from 2009 to 2019, and vice chair of Global Foreign Exchange Committee (GFXC) from 2017 to 2020.

Robert Nakamura said, “As international investors focus their attention on the Japanese market and the country's biggest companies continue to enhance their global footprint, Citi will continue to provide the highest level of service to our clients as we deliver on our mission to be the best bank for them.”

Paul Smith said, “Akira has been an exemplary leader with a proven track record, industry experience, and a deep knowledge of the Markets business in Japan. His leadership will provide valuable support to our clients in this critical market.”

Citi’s markets business serves corporates, institutional investors and governments from trading floors in almost 80 countries. The strength of our underwriting, sales and trading and distribution capabilities span asset classes (commodities, equities, rates, spread products and FX), providing us with an unmatched ability to meet the needs of our clients.

Hoshino graduated from Hitotsubashi University with a bachelor’s degree in law.

Re-disseminated by The Asian Banker