Frontier Advisors has announced the establishment of an office in Tokyo, appointing Yuichi Alex Takayama to lead its presence in Japan and assist Frontier in establishing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
Takayama had more than 25-year career in financial services roles covering business development, portfolio management and research analysis in Japan, the US and UK. Most recently, he held the role of head of business development with Misaki Capital but prior to that held senior roles with Nikko AM and Tokio Marine AM.
Takayama would work from Frontier’s newly-established office in Tokyo, but would also travel regularly to Australia and, over time, would work to help Frontier develop other business opportunities in Asian markets, such as the Republic of Korea.
In 2013, Frontier founded the Global Investment Research Alliance with Segal Marco Advisers in North America, later admitting LCP in the United Kingdom to the global initiative. Frontier had responsibility for Asia within the Alliance. This would be the firm’s first offshore base which it hoped would be a foundation for growth in the region.
Frontier chief executive, Andrew Polson, said he was excited to welcome Takayama to Frontier and to officially open the doors on the new venture.
“We’ve been regular visitors to Japan since 2014 and have made a number of strong connections since that time. The reception we have received from Japanese asset owners over this time has made us confident having a local presence will help us lift that engagement to the next level,” Polson said.
“Asset owners in Asia have a strong interest in real estate and infrastructure opportunities in particular, yet don’t typically have a lot of history investing in these sectors globally. Frontier has a two-decade strong reputation in these areas and is considered by many to be the pre-eminent adviser in the real assets space in Australia so, along with our unconflicted advice model, we think we have a lot to offer.
“It’s a great sign of confidence that someone of Alex’s standing and experience is keen to be a part of bringing a new institutional-grade advice offering into the Japanese market.”
Takayama said: “I am impressed by the dealings I have had with Frontier over several years now and I believe the Japanese market will see the value their particular advice and business model, along with their experience, will bring. The commitment they have shown through many years of engagement and genuine interest in the local market is something I am honoured to be able to lead.”
