KBRA, a company in global credit ratings and research, appointed Yasumitsu “Yasu” Iwasa as head of Japan.
Iwasa brings nearly 30 years of experience in investment banking and asset management, having held senior roles at leading global financial institutions in Japan. Most recently, he served as head of Japan and managing director at Impax Asset Management, where he led the launch and growth of the firm’s Japan operations. In addition to his executive leadership role, he also acted as a product specialist within the distribution team. From 2014 to 2021, Iwasa was representative director, Japan at Fullerton Fund Management, the asset management arm of Temasek Group. He began his career at Goldman Sachs, where he spent approximately 12 years in equity derivatives and structuring. This experience laid the foundation for his deep expertise in complex financial products.
Iwasa holds a master’s degree in international economics from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Essex in the UK.
“Japan represents a critical and sophisticated investor market,” Kate Kennedy, senior managing director and co-head of business development at KBRA, said. “Yasu’s deep network, strategic understanding of global private credit landscapes and experience launching asset management operations make him uniquely positioned to drive our mission forward in this region.”
“I am honored to lead KBRA’s efforts in Japan,” Iwasa said. “The private credit landscape is evolving rapidly — and KBRA’s commitment to transparency, rigorous analysis and client-first service aligns perfectly with investor needs here. I look forward to partnering with our current Tokyo-based employees, Miki Monroe-Sheridan, head of business development; Yuuichi Hino, head of Japan compliance; and Peter Connolly, senior director, to build an even stronger presence in Japan.”
