Role Overview The Head of IT for Japan will be responsible for the overall technology strategy, delivery, and operational stability of the firm’s Japan business. This role acts as the senior technology leader in-country, partnering closely with Front Office, Operations, Risk, Compliance, and global technology teams to ensure systems are resilient, compliant, and aligned with business growth. The position carries accountability for local regulatory requirements, vendor management, and the execution of global technology initiatives within the Japanese market. Key Responsibilities
Own the end-to-end IT strategy for the Japan business, aligned with global technology standards and regional business objectives
Serve as the senior technology partner to Front Office businesses (Equities, Fixed Income, Global Markets, or Investment Banking), ensuring trading, risk, and post-trade systems meet business needs
Ensure high availability, stability, and performance of mission-critical systems, including incident, problem, and change management
Lead local delivery of global technology initiatives, including platform upgrades, cloud adoption, cybersecurity programs, and infrastructure modernisation
Act as the primary technology contact for Japanese regulators and internal audit, ensuring compliance with FSA, J-SOX, data privacy, and cybersecurity requirements
Manage third-party vendors and outsourced service providers, ensuring SLA adherence and cost efficiency
Oversee local IT budgets, headcount planning, and resource allocation
Lead, mentor, and develop local IT managers and teams, fostering a strong risk-aware and service-oriented culture
Required Experience & Skills
15+ years of IT experience within investment banking, capital markets, or financial services, with senior leadership responsibility
Strong understanding of Front Office trading systems, market data platforms, and enterprise banking technology
Proven experience operating in a foreign investment bank within Japan
Deep knowledge of Japanese regulatory and control environments (FSA, J-SOX, outsourcing guidelines, cybersecurity expectations)
Experience managing complex vendor landscapes and global delivery models
Demonstrated ability to engage credibly with senior business stakeholders and global executives
Strong people leadership experience, including managing managers and cross-functional teams