ZURICH, NEW YORK, AND TOKYO – iCapital Network1, the leading global financial technology platform driving access and efficiency in alternative investing for the asset and wealth management industries, today announced the appointment of Masato Degawa as its Senior Advisor for the Japanese market.
In his new role for iCapital, Mr. Degawa, who will be based in Tokyo, will advise iCapital on enhancing its offering in Japan with a specific focus on the needs of the country’s asset and wealth managers. Mr. Degawa has more than 30 years of experience and has held several leadership positions with industry-leading global asset management firms, including President and Representative Director of BlackRock Japan Limited. Mr. Degawa will report to iCapital’s Head of International, Marco Bizzozero.
After the US and China, Japan is the world’s third-largest economy and the third-largest market for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals. With HNW investor assets approximating US $3 trillion, the majority of which are invested in low-yielding instruments and deposits, Japan is a very attractive market for asset and wealth management expansion through broadened access to alternative investments. Along with a growing affluent population across the APAC region, demand for private market investing opportunities is also increasing amid reduced expectations for public market investment returns.
“We are delighted to expand our Asia Pacific presence with the appointment of Masato Degawa, one of the region’s most seasoned investment professionals,” said Mr. Bizzozero. “Japan is an extremely important market for us. Our clients’ success requires a world-class team to help scale their private markets businesses and capitalize on the overall growing appetite for alternatives amongst high-net-worth investors. Degawa-san’s appointment as our Senior Advisor for Japan reflects our deep commitment to growing our foothold in Japan and in the Asia Pacific region.”
“Historically, the opportunities of the private markets have been difficult to access for wealth management clients and their advisors, and those afforded access have had to manage cumbersome manual processes and limited reporting. iCapital has established itself as a leading partner for asset and wealth management firms seeking to facilitate access to private markets investments for high-net-worth investors and advisors interested in providing these opportunities to their clients,” said Mr. Degawa. “I look forward to contributing to the iCapital team and helping to drive the firm’s expansion in Japan.”
“We could not be more pleased that Masato Degawa has joined our team. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the needs of Japanese investors will be instrumental in providing the highest level of service to our clients seeking streamlined private investment opportunities,” said Lawrence Calcano, Chairman and CEO of iCapital Network. “Degawa-san’s addition to our team is further testament to our commitment to furnishing solutions that drive our clients’ success in the APAC region.”
In addition to his former role at BlackRock Japan Limited, Mr. Degawa was President and Chief Investment Officer of Amundi Japan / Société Générale Asset Management Japan. Earlier in his career, he held senior positions with J.P. Morgan Investment Management in London and Morgan Stanley Japan. He currently serves as Senior Advisor to Affiliated Managers Group, Inc, Yarra Capital Management and Nordea. Mr Degawa is also President of the CFA Society Japan and a board member of the United World Colleges Japan National Committee. Mr. Degawa has an M.A. and B.A. in Engineering Science and Economics from the University of Oxford and is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute.
Japanese Appointment Accelerates iCapital’s International Expansion
In addition to Mr. Degawa’s appointment, iCapital recently hit several milestones as part of its international expansion efforts in the EMEA and the APAC region since outlining its global expansion plans in October 2020.
Over the past 12 months, iCapital has grown its platform assets from international clients to US$20 billion2, approximately 20% of iCapital’s US $98 billion total platform assets. The recently announced strategic partnerships with global industry leaders such as Allfunds, Blackrock and UBS have solidified the iCapital’s international footprint. The firm is leveraging its recent US $440 million fundraising round to enhance its platform technology, expand the breadth of strategies and product types on its menu and pursue strategic acquisitions that broaden its client capabilities. In addition, iCapital has increased its global employee base and its international office presence with more than 130 employees located outside of the United States, based in Zurich, London, Lisbon, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Toronto.
About iCapital Network
Founded in 2013 in NYC, iCapital Network is the leading global financial technology company powering the world’s alternative investment marketplace. It has transformed the way the wealth management, banking, and asset management industries facilitate access to private markets investments for their high-net-worth clients by providing intuitive, end-to-end technology and service solutions. Wealth management firms use iCapital’s solutions to provide clients with quality funds at lower minimums and simplified digital workflows. Asset managers and banks leverage iCapital’s technology to streamline and scale their alternative investments operational infrastructure. Additionally, the iCapital ‘flagship’ platform offers financial advisors and their high-net-worth clients access to a curated menu of private equity, private credit, hedge funds, structured notes and other alternative investments to help meet their investing needs for return and diversification. iCapital’s research and diligence team offers robust analysis alongside the firm’s extensive suite of advisor education, compliance, portfolio management, and portfolio analytics tools and services. iCapital was recognized on the Forbes FinTech 50 list in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, the Forbes America’s Best Startup Employers in 2021, and MMI/Barron’s Industry Awards as Solutions Provider of the Year in 2020 and 2021. As of October 31, 2021, iCapital services more than $98 billion in client assets, of which over $20 billion are from international investors (non-US Domestic), across 835 funds. Employing more than 680 people globally, iCapital is headquartered in NYC and has offices in Zurich, London, Lisbon, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Toronto.
For additional information, please visit iCapital Network’s website at https://icapital.com | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icapital-network-inc | Twitter: @icapitalnetwork
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iCapital Media Contacts
North America
Emma Murphy / Morgan Miller
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(1) Institutional Capital Network, Inc., and its affiliates (herein “iCapital Network”, “iCapital” or “the Company”)
(2) As of 10/31/21
