Resilience is what best describes the Japanese securities industry, which has survived countless challenges ranging from economic bubbles to natural catastrophes. Embodying this characteristic is Aizawa Securities, which has stood the test of time for nearly a century. Keeping ahead of the pack as an independent securities company is key to its endurance. While the industry is only beginning to see Asia as the next frontier, Aizawa Securities aims to be No1 in Asian stocks. "Our legacy is built on our clients' trust and the philosophy of long-term secured investments," says president and CEO Motoya Aizawa, whose grandfather founded the company in 1918. "Keeping clients' best interest in mind, we are providing products and services specialised for the Asian markets." A member of the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Osaka Securities Exchange, Aizawa Securities trades in 12 Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Taiwan. Reinforcing its commitment to the region and its existing client base, it has established a dedicated Asia growth market expansion committee tasked to align clients' assets with Asian markets' robust growth. Espousing a bidirectional business, Aizawa Securities is encouraging Asian companies to invest in Japan and supporting them in entering the Japanese market. It also holds various seminars for domestic companies to promote initial public offerings in Asia. "We envision becoming a bridge between investors throughout Asia and Japan," Aizawa says. "There is huge potential on both sides to create win-win opportunities." Closer to home, Aizawa Securities is pursuing community-based marketing to further solidify its retail network. It is also improving its risk management and compliance systems to strengthen and diversify its earnings structure. "The ultimate goal is to enhance our worth in society as a company defined not by its size - but by its added value to clients," Aizawa says. Aizawa Securities http://www.aizawa.co.jp/company/english/
