NEW YORK -- KBRA, a leader in global credit ratings and research, announced the appointment of Yasumitsu “Yasu” Iwasa as Head of Japan, underscoring its growth trajectory in Asia following the strategic establishment of its Tokyo office in January 2025.

KBRA’s Tokyo office reflects the company’s commitment to deepening its presence in Asia-Pacific and addressing the evolving needs of Japanese investors across public and private credit markets. The team is now well-positioned for continued growth and influence as it serves both local and international investors.

Yasu 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, Yasu 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.

Yasu 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,” said Kate Kennedy, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Business Development at KBRA. “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,” said Mr. Iwasa. “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.”

At KBRA, our mission centers on delivering transparent, forward-looking credit assessments that empower investors to make confident, informed decisions. As a leader in private credit ratings, KBRA combines deep analytical insight with responsive service and methodological rigor. With global demand for private credit accelerating, Japan represents a strategic opportunity to expand our presence and meet the growing appetite for alternative credit solutions with the clarity and consistency investors expect from KBRA.