Akira Watanabe was the pioneer of derivatives in Japan and founded many of Mitsubishi’s investment-banking activities. Now he aims to double the size of Tokyo-Mitsubishi International within the next three years and challenge Nomura International’s supremacy among Japan’s global investment banks.
Known, even in official meetings, as “Wani” crocodile or alligator in Japanese his bubbly, genial exterior masks a ferocious competitive streak and an acute intellect. “They think it’s appropriate because I’m sort of dangerous aggressive,” he beams.
“Once he bites he won’t let go,” says a London-based Japanese banker.
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