What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past twelve months?

UBS’s integration of Credit Suisse – the merger of two globally significant financial institutions – has further strengthened UBS Japan’s franchise across the Investment Bank, Wealth Management and Asset Management businesses. As head of UBS Japan’s legal team, I led the legal work supporting the integration through Japan’s complex regulatory environment to its completion at the end of 2024 and have since continued to support the group’s expanded platforms in Japan. Over the past year, our team has advised on a wide range of projects including high‑profile M&A transactions, the launch of new investment products and joint‑venture arrangements.

AI remains at the forefront of conversations about the future. How can in-house counsel ensure the successful integration of legal tech, while maintaining the human element?

Proactive yet prudent use of new technologies, such as AI, has become critical for any successful in-house legal team. We must aspire to advance with, and take advantage of, new technologies. At the same time, we must remember that we always work with other people – colleagues, clients and other stakeholders. We must continue developing inter-personal and leadership skills accordingly.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I enjoy being an active member of Capital Market Forum, an expert group that helps young members of academia shape and develop their research in the capital markets. The Forum was established by the Japan Securities Dealers Association (JSDA), with its members appointed from among academics and practitioners. The group invites young researchers, typically assistant professors, to propose research topics aligned with current issues in the capital markets. We then provide advice and feedback as they develop their research. It is inspirational to be together with prominent commentators in law, economics, and finance as they exchange views within the Forum. It is also a rewarding experience to help young researchers develop research that may positively impact the capital markets in the future.