Head of Business Development, Japan
Singapore
Headquartered in Singapore with presence in the United States and Indonesia, Straits Financial serves as the financial services arm of the CWT Group, a global leading provider of integrated logistics and financial services. We provide a fully integrated service for our clients to access the financial and commodity derivative markets and will continue to expand into key financial and commodity markets.
The Head of Business Development, Japan will be responsible for leading and driving the business development strategy for Straits Financial retail business in Japan. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of the dynamics of Japanese financial markets, retail clients’ trading requirements, and the ability to develop, implement, and execute strategies that expand the firm's market presence and profitability in Japan.
The individual will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions, identify growth opportunities, and establish long-term relationships with key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning & Market Expansion:
- Lead the overall strategy for retail business development in Japan, with a focus on growth and market penetration.
- Identify new business opportunities, partnerships, and market trends to expand the company’s presence in the retail market. The candidate must have existing network of clients and/or distribution channels in Japan.
- Conduct market research and competitor analysis to stay informed of industry trends, customer needs, and emerging opportunities in financial products, including but not limited to forex, futures & options and asset management.
- Develop and implement regional expansion plans, ensuring alignment with company goals and the Japanese financial market dynamics.
Partnerships & Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key industry players including introducing brokers, online affiliates, training academies, liquidity providers, institutional partners, and regulatory bodies.
- Collaborate with financial institutions, communities, tech providers, and fintech startups to explore strategic partnerships and alliances.
- Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to enhance brand visibility.
Leadership & Team Management:
- Lead and mentor a team of business development professionals, providing guidance, support, and professional development.
- Ensure the business development team meets or exceeds sales targets, revenue goals, and other performance metrics.
- Foster a collaborative environment, working cross-functionally with Straits Financial regional sales, marketing, and product teams to implement new initiatives.
Sales & Revenue Generation:
- Oversee the execution of business development and sales strategies to meet or exceed annual revenue targets in the retail forex segment.
- Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with major clients to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.
- Identify high-potential customers and develop tailored solutions to capture new revenue streams.
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight:
- Maintain an in-depth understanding of Japan’s financial regulations and ensure business development strategies align with regulatory requirements.
- Work closely with the legal and compliance teams to ensure all business development activities are fully compliant with Japan’s forex trading laws and regulations.
Marketing & Brand Positioning:
- Collaborate with the marketing team to create campaigns that enhance the firm’s reputation and promote its retail forex services in Japan.
- Position the firm as a leading player in the Japanese retail forex market by developing localized offerings, services, and customer experiences.
Requirements
You should possess the following:
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Economics, or a related field. MBA or other advanced degrees are a plus.
- At least 10+ years of experience in business development, sales, or leadership roles, with a significant focus on the retail forex, Futures and Options markets.
- Proven experience in managing and growing business units, particularly in financial services or online trading environments.
Technical & Financial Knowledge:
- Extensive knowledge of the Japanese financial markets, especially the retail forex industry, trends, regulations, and key players.
- Strong understanding of forex trading platforms, trading tools, and the technological landscape.
- Familiarity with the Japanese financial regulatory environment (FSA, JFSA, etc.) and compliance practices.
Skills & Abilities:
- Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a high-performing team.
- Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong analytical abilities and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
- Fluent in Japanese (native or business proficiency), Mandarin and English (both spoken and written) is required.
Preferred Attributes:
- Experience in client acquisition, partnership within Japan or a related market.
- Strong existing network within the forex trading community in Japan.
- Track record of driving significant business growth in a competitive environment.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
- Stationed in Singapore with frequent travel and stay in Japan.
- Opportunities for career growth within a global organization.
- A dynamic and collaborative work environment with a strong focus on innovation.
- Exposure to an international market and cross-cultural experiences.