Insights
Factor Investment in the Japanese Equity Market
Letter from SuMi TRUST: Factor Investment in the Japanese Equity Market – Current Environment and Investment Strategies
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SuMi TRUST traces its origins back to 1924 and it is the international marketing name of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management (SuMi TRUST AM) and the entities that fall within Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings including Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (SuMi TRUST Bank).
As the leading asset manager in the Japanese institutional market, we offer a wide range of equity products, from indexing strategies to highly concentrated active strategies and sustainability/impact strategies.
Being a Japan-based asset manager, our knowledge of the Japanese equity market set us apart from the competition. We believe research on the ground makes a real difference when making investment decisions and we have one of the largest Japanese equity research teams in the industry in Tokyo. The quality and breadth of our research forms the basis of our strong capabilities in the market.
Your goals are our goals. Your success is our success.
We strive to create the new standard of asset management that acknowledges the aspirations of all our investors and stakeholders and work with each of you every step of the way.
Our Values
Stand in the shoes of others and engage in dialogue with empathy
At all times, we will never forget to be considerate of others. By always putting ourselves in the shoes of others, we will build relationships of mutual trust through ongoing dialogue based on empathy and consideration.
Have self-awareness and seek constant self-improvement
Growth is possible at any age.
To achieve personal growth, we must consider what we can do for the society in which we live, first looking carefully at ourselves and continuing to pursue self-improvement to achieve even greater heights.
Pursue quality and value that goes one step ahead
We will continue pursuing quality and value one step ahead of the rest: this is our DNA.
“How can we exceed customer expectations?” “How can we become their best partner?” With these questions in mind, every small step taken by each of us will lead to a major step forward for the company.
Expand curiosity and transform awareness into action
Going beyond our own specialized fields, we will keep our sense of curiosity alive, connecting the insights and ideas we gain from this curiosity to the actions we take.
Create synergies by bringing unique personalities together
Each individual among us brings different strengths to the table.
By respecting talents and personalities that differ from our own, and by proactively multiplying each other's strengths, we will create innovative synergies.
Look ahead to the future, continuously challenging ourselves
We will not only respond to the voices of our customers and the changing times, but also recognize current trends and create new value that is not merely an extension of what we have provided in the past.
Moreover, we will continue to take on the never-ending challenge of creating products and services that engender both inspiration and excitement.
Our History
1986
July
Chushin Capital Management Co., Ltd established
September
Sanshin Capital Management Co., Ltd established
November
Sumishin Capital Management Co., Ltd established
1990
October
Sumishin Capital Management Co., Ltd changes its company name to Sumishin Investment Management Co., Ltd
1999
February
Sumishin Investment Management Co., Ltd changes its company name to Sumishin Asset Management Co., Ltd
July
Chushin Capital Management Co., Ltd and Sanshin Capital Management Co., Ltd merge to form Chuo Mitsui Asset Management Co., Ltd
2011
April
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group (SuMi TRUST) was born. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc. was established through the share exchange between Chuo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc. and The Sumitomo Trust and Banking Co., Ltd.
2012
April
Chuo Mitsui Asset Management Co., Ltd and Sumishin Asset Management Co., Ltd merge to form Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd (SuMi TRUST AM)
2018
October
Asset management function of sister company SuMi TRUST Bank, Ltd strategically integrated into SuMi TRUST AM.
SuMi TRUST: Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group
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100% owned
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History:
- Established in April 2012
- Can be traced back to 1986
Core asset management firm within
The SuMi TRUST Group.
Assets under management:
- USD $623 billion as of March 2024
Professional resources:
- Total number of employees: 600+
- Japanese equity fundamental research analysts: 20+
- Japanese equity portfolio managers: 30+
- Quantitative analysts: 10+
100% owned
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History:
- Established in April 2012
- Can be traced back to 1924
Financial standing:
- Long term rating: S&P A, Moody's A1
- Constituent of the Nikkei 225 Index
Business lines:
- Commercial banking for both retail and corporate clients
- Real estate brokerage
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Senior Management Team
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David Semaya
Executive Chairman and Representative Director
David Semaya is Executive Chairman and Representative Director of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd. (SuMi TRUST AM)
David Semaya is Executive Chairman and Representative Director of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd. (SuMi TRUST AM)
His thirty year career spans three continents in executive leadership roles in financial services across the US, Europe and Asia. Now based in Tokyo, he joined SMTAM in April 2018.
Previously, David served as Executive Chairman of Nikko Asset Management for four years both in London and in Tokyo. Prior to returning to Japan, he was with Barclays plc as CEO of UK and Ireland Wealth Management, and Chairman of Barclays Asset Management Ltd. Prior to 2009, he served as CEO for Barclays Global Investors (now BlackRock) Europe and Asia. Until 2004, David was with Merrill Lynch in a variety of executive leadership positions in both asset management and investment banking in New York and Tokyo.
David was also formerly a Trustee Director for one of Europe’s largest pension funds and served on the board of the Investment Association and the Wealth Management Association (UK). He currently serves as Chairman of the ICI Pacific Policy Council.
David holds a BA from the University of Florida, an MA in education from Temple University and has completed the Stanford/NUS Executive Program in International Management.
He is a dual US/UK national and is fluent in Japanese.
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Yoshio Hishida
Representative Director and President
Yoshio Hishida was appointed President and CEO of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd. (SuMi TRUST AM) in October 2018. He is also Vice Chairman & Member of the Board of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan.
Yoshio Hishida was appointed President and CEO of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd. (SuMi TRUST AM) in October 2018. He is also Vice Chairman & Member of the Board of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan.
Yoshio has more than 30 years of experience in the asset management industry. Before joining SMTAM, Yoshio was head of the asset management business at SuMi TRUST Bank from August 2017 to September 2018. SMTAM and SuMi TRUST Bank are sister companies and are both subsidiaries of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc., a listed constituent of both the TSE 1st section and Nikkei 225.
Yoshio started his career at Sumitomo Trust and Banking Co., Ltd. (now SuMi TRUST Bank) in 1986. He has more than 16 years of experience as a portfolio manager, and was a specialist in global equities and quantitative research strategy. Yoshio became General Manager of the Fiduciary Business Promotion Department of SuMi TRUST Bank in 2008 and he has been managing global business development and client relationships as well.
He graduated from the University of Kobe with a BA in business administration. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst, and Chartered Member of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan.
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Naoki Uno
Managing Executive Officer
Naoki Uno was appointed Managing Executive Officer of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd. (SuMi TRUST AM) in April 2022. He supervises the investment division.
Naoki Uno was appointed Managing Executive Officer of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd. (SuMi TRUST AM) in April 2022. He supervises the investment division.
Naoki has more than 30 years of experience in the investment management industry. Before joining SuMi TRUST AM in April 2017, Naoki headed the Multi Strategy Investment Department at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Ltd. (SuMi TB).
Naoki's leadership journey started at The Sumitomo Trust and Banking, Co., Ltd. (currently SuMi TB) in 1990. He honed his skills at the division responsible for a proprietary account of SuMi TB. His expertise in trading and fund management business at both SuMi TRUST AM and SuMi TB paved the way for his senior position at SuMi TRUST AM in April 2017. Here, he spearheaded product development and the strengthening of investment management capability, leveraging data science such as alternative data.
He graduated from Hitotsubashi University with a BA in Commerce. He is a Certified Member Analyst of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan (CMA)
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Yukihiro Murota
Executive Officer
Yukihiro Murota is the Executive Officer in charge of global business at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd., (SuMi TRUST AM) where he is responsible for global client services.
Yukihiro Murota is the Executive Officer in charge of global business at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd., (SuMi TRUST AM) where he is responsible for global client services.
Yukihiro joined Chuo Mitsui Trust and Banking Company, Ltd. (Currently Sumitomo Mitsui Trust and Banking Co., Ltd. (SuMi TB)) in 1991. Prior to his current role, Yukihiro was the head of the Business Planning Department, where he led the development of Japanese equity products.
In his early career, he worked as a portfolio manager for global bond funds and as a strategist on the world economy and markets. From 2005, Yukihiro took charge of client portfolio management for public pension clients including some of the largest pension funds in Japan. He was then assigned as the Associate General Manager of the Fiduciary Business Planning Department at SuMi TB in 2009 where he was responsible for business planning for the fiduciary business unit. In 2016, he was appointed as the Managing Director of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust International Limited in London where he oversaw the overseas investment management business.
Yukihiro has a BA in Economics from Nagoya University. He is a Chartered International Investment Analyst (CIIA) and a Certified Member Analyst of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan (CMA).
Where We Work
United States
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Americas, Inc.
Japan
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd.
United Kingdom
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust International Limited
Hong Kong
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust (Hong Kong) Limited
三井住友信託（香港）有限公司, SMTHK
Singapore
European Union
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (Luxembourg) S.A.
Why Partner with Us?
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Our Capabilities
SuMi TRUST offers a range of investment approaches, including actively and passively managed strategies, to suit institutional clients’ needs. Our multi-lingual client management team has an in depth understanding of the international asset management business and has extensive experience of providing bespoke client services and detailed analysis for its global client base.
News & Insights
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News
Japan's Sustainable Tourism Boom
[External Link] In this piece published by Wealth Briefing, Katsunori Ogawa, Chief Portfolio Manager of the Sakigake High Alpha at SuMi TRUST, discusses the opportunities and challenges that are presented by Japan's current tourism boom.
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Insights
The Impact of the Proposed TOPIX Revisions
Letter from SuMi TRUST: Chief Strategist Hiroyuki Ueno explains the proposed revisions to the Tokyo Stock Exchange Stock Price Index (TOPIX) and what this means for companies and investors.
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Insights
SuMi’s Coffee Break Column – Improving Shareholder Returns: Shame Culture and the Group Mentality in Japan
In the past, observers have called the Japanese hypersensitive to the expectations of (and potential for criticism from) those around them. In this article we argue that in a country traditionally slow to change, this group mentality is working as a force for positive change in improving shareholder returns.