Head of Sustainable Finance & ESG - Global Bank Tokyo

Join a leading global Corporate & Investment Bank as Head of Sustainable Finance & ESG, taking a strategic leadership role in shaping and executing the bank's Sustainable Finance and ESG strategy in Japan.

This senior position will drive sustainable finance initiatives across Corporate Banking, Investment Banking, and Global Markets while advising major corporate clients on ESG financing, sustainable investment, and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Working closely with senior management, corporate clients, regulators, government bodies, industry associations, and regional and global teams, you will identify new commercial opportunities, develop innovative sustainable finance solutions, and strengthen the bank's position in Japan's rapidly evolving ESG market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the bank's Sustainable Finance and ESG strategy in Japan, ensuring alignment with global policies, frameworks, and strategic objectives.
• Identify and originate new Sustainable Finance and ESG business opportunities in partnership with Corporate Banking, Investment Banking, and Global Markets teams.
• Support the development of innovative ESG products, sustainable financing frameworks, and investment solutions tailored to corporate client requirements.
• Advise major corporate clients on sustainable financing opportunities and support their transition toward more sustainable and low-carbon business models.
• Build strategic relationships with Japanese regulators, government bodies, industry associations, and other key market stakeholders.
• Represent the bank on ESG and sustainability matters through senior client meetings, conferences, working groups, and industry forums.
• Promote ESG knowledge and awareness across the organization by providing guidance, training, and market insights to business and support functions.
• Monitor Japanese and global ESG regulations, sustainability frameworks, and market trends, advising senior management on emerging risks and commercial opportunities.
• Collaborate with regional and global stakeholders to ensure Japan's sustainability strategy is effectively integrated into the bank's wider ESG agenda.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience:

• Extensive experience within Corporate & Investment Banking, Corporate Banking, Investment Banking, Sustainable Finance, or a closely related financial services function.
• Demonstrated professional experience across ESG, Sustainable Finance, or Sustainable Investing.
• Proven track record of developing, originating, or executing ESG-related business opportunities and sustainable financing solutions.
• Experience engaging with senior corporate executives, regulators, government agencies, industry associations, or other senior external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of Japanese and global ESG regulations, sustainability frameworks, sustainable finance standards, and market developments.
• Senior-level experience appropriate for a Head-level position, ideally with 10+ years of relevant professional experience.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication, relationship management, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen, with the ability to identify ESG trends and translate them into sustainable business opportunities.
• Leadership capability to shape strategy, influence organizational change, and promote ESG awareness across multiple business functions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional, regional, and global teams.
• Strong advisory and presentation capabilities for working with senior management, corporate clients, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Native level.
• English: Intermediate to Business level, with the ability to engage effectively with international and regional stakeholders.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Experience representing a financial institution at ESG and Sustainable Finance industry forums, working groups, conferences, or external initiatives.
• Established relationships with relevant Japanese regulators, government organizations, corporate clients, or sustainability industry bodies.
• Professional certifications or postgraduate qualifications in Sustainability, ESG, Sustainable Finance, or related disciplines.
• Experience developing sustainable finance products, ESG frameworks, or sustainable investment solutions.
• Exposure to sustainability initiatives across Corporate Banking, Investment Banking, and Global Markets.
• Experience working within a leading global bank or international Corporate & Investment Banking environment.

About the Company

Our client is a leading international Corporate & Investment Bank with a strong commitment to Sustainable Finance and the transition toward a low-carbon economy.

Through its global banking platform, the organization works with major corporations and institutional clients to develop innovative ESG, sustainable financing, and investment solutions while integrating sustainability considerations into its broader business strategy.

With strong regional and global capabilities, the bank offers an international platform for experienced sustainability professionals to influence strategy, engage senior stakeholders, and contribute directly to the continued development of Sustainable Finance in Japan.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive executive-level compensation package.
• Take a senior leadership role in shaping the bank's Sustainable Finance and ESG strategy in Japan.
• Work directly with senior management, major Japanese corporate clients, regulators, government bodies, and industry leaders.
• Originate and develop innovative ESG and Sustainable Finance solutions across multiple banking businesses.
• Influence the bank's approach to the low-carbon transition and sustainable business growth in Japan.
• Gain significant visibility and exposure across regional and global sustainability initiatives.
• Build your profile as a senior ESG leader within a major international Corporate & Investment Bank.
• Benefit from flextime and minimal overtime within an international and collaborative environment.

Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!