On May 30th, Elevandi uploaded to Youtube a panel discussion at the Japan Fintech Festival held between March 6th and 8th earlier this year.
On the panel were four Japan based macroeconomic heavyweights talking about why Japan is an exciting place to be an entrepreneur.
The panelists are listed below with bio summaries included.
Their views on the macro environment, while delivered in the context of fintech startups, offer real estate owners and investors a glimpse of an optimistic future for the nation, with can mean more economically healthy buyers and renters.
Jesper Koll
Jesper Koll has been researching and investing in Japan since 1986. Recognized as a top Japan strategist, he has worked as chief strategist and head of research for JP Morgan and Merrill Lynch. He is currently an expert director for Monex Group and the Japan Catalyst Fund investment committee. Koll's insights have placed him on several Japanese government and corporate advisory committees, including Governor Yuriko Koike’s Advisory Board.
He is a Board Director of the Okinawa Institute for Science and Technology, founder of Asia Society Japan, and head of its Policy Committee. He is one of the few non-Japanese members of the Keizai Doyukai and has written three books in Japanese. In 2021, he created the video/podcast series “Japan - Capitalism That Works.”
Nicholas Smith
Nicholas Smith, CLSA Japan Strategist, has ranked No.1 for Japan strategy in Asiamoney’s Brokers Poll from 2013 to 2016. He writes the popular weekly strategy report "Benthos," reflecting his value-oriented market approach and passion for deep diving. Nicholas has been in Japan since 1987 and covering Japanese equities since 1990.
Initially arriving as a judo champion, he joined Jardine Fleming Securities in 1990, ranking No.1 in the chemicals and oil sector and leading the global oil and chemicals team. After a stint in hedge funds, he joined CLSA in 2011. He holds a BSc in Physics from London University and is fluent in Japanese.
Joyce Phillips
Joyce Phillips is an accomplished CEO and transformative leader, currently Founder and CEO of EqualFuture Corp., a San Francisco-based FinTech startup. EqualFuture Corp. is developing an AI-enabled financial technology platform to deliver affordable personal financial wellness and education.
Previously, Phillips held senior executive roles at Citigroup, including CEO of International Retail Banking, Country Manager for Citibank Japan, and CEO of Diners Club and Citi Cards Japan. She also served as Group Managing Director M&A, Group Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer, and CEO of the Global Wealth Division at Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ).
Jean-Eric Paquet
Jean-Eric Paquet has been the EU Ambassador to Japan since autumn 2022. At the European Commission, he shaped key policies and achieved breakthroughs. As Director-General for Research and Innovation (2018-2022), he established the European Innovation Council and created EU Missions for major challenges.
He gained international experience as Director for the Western Balkans and as EU Ambassador to Mauritania (2004-2007). From 2015 to 2018, he was Deputy Secretary-General of the European Commission, focusing on Better Regulation.
Paquet led the Trans-European Transport Network Policy, advocating for co-creation and greater citizen involvement in policy.
