top of page

Japan's Former Top Currency Envoy Takes Over as ADB Chief

  • Writer: By The Financial District
    By The Financial District
  • Feb 28
  • 1 min read

Updated: Mar 2

Masato Kanda, Japan's former top currency diplomat, officially assumed office on Monday as the new president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Manila-based international lender announced, Kyodo News reported.


ree

During his tenure as vice finance minister for international affairs, Kanda played a pivotal role in Japan's market interventions to stabilize the yen amid sharp declines against the U.S. dollar and other major currencies. I Photo: Asian Development Bank Flickr


ree
ree

As the ADB's 11th president, Kanda pledged to advance the bank’s mission of promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth while addressing pressing development challenges.


He succeeds Masatsugu Asakawa, another former senior official of Japan's Finance Ministry.


ree

Japan, a leading ADB shareholder alongside the U.S., has held the bank’s top position since its establishment in 1966. The institution aims to eradicate extreme poverty and support development in the Asia-Pacific region.


Kanda will serve the remainder of Asakawa’s term until Nov. 23, 2026.


ree

During his tenure as vice finance minister for international affairs, Kanda played a pivotal role in Japan's market interventions to stabilize the yen amid sharp declines against the U.S. dollar and other major currencies.


He left the position in July 2024 after serving for three years.



ree
ree
ree

TFD (Facebook Profile) (1).png
TFD (Facebook Profile) (3).png

Register for News Alerts

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • X
  • YouTube

Thank you for Subscribing

The Financial District®  2023

bottom of page