Hirotaka Usami, representative director and founder of Angel Japan AM,
and Nicolas Faller, Co-CEO Asset Management and Head of Institutional Clients at UBP.
Union Bancaire Privée, UBP SA (UBP) announced today that it has acquired 100% of the shares issued by Angel Japan Asset Management Limited (Angel Japan AM), a Tokyo-based independent investment advisor specializing in the Japanese small-cap equity segment. The transaction further strengthens UBP’s presence in Japan and is a clear demonstration of UBP’s objective to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
UBP has had a presence in Tokyo since 2005, operating through UBP Investments Co., Ltd, which provides asset management services for both traditional assets and alternative investments for clients based in Japan, as well as global investors seeking exposure to Japan.
Founded in 2001 and led by Hirotaka Usami, Angel Japan AM is comprised of five experienced investment professionals, including four portfolio managers with an average experience of 24 years. It currently manages three strategies (IPO, New Growth and Steady Growth) with total assets under management of USD 1.2 billion.
This acquisition follows a successful partnership between UBP and Angel Japan AM. Since 2018, Angel Japan AM has been advising UBP Investments Co, Ltd, the entity managing UBP’s Japanese small-cap equity strategy, which has generated attractive returns since inception and outperformed its benchmark.
Following the transfer of ownership, Hirotaka Usami will become chairman of a newly created board of directors at Angel Japan AM, while Ryota Bando, the current chief operating officer, will be appointed chief executive officer. All current Angel Japan AM employees are expected to remain at Angel Japan AM. Apart from changes to its governance structure and directors, there will be no changes to the current management process or to Angel Japan AM’s investment philosophy, style, and investment team.
“The acquisition of Angel Japan AM emphasizes UBP’s strong belief in the investment opportunities in the global small-cap equity segment, especially in Japan, and in the team’s unique ability to capitalize on them. Taking ownership of Angel Japan AM will not only expand our distribution channels to Japanese clients but also strengthen our internal capabilities and value proposition to serve our international clients even better”.
Nicolas Faller, Co-CEO Asset Management and Head of Institutional Clients at UBP.
“We are pleased to have found the right partner for our clients and our skilled and committed employees. We are confident that the deep local market and capabilities we bring to UBP will create long-term value for our clients and support UBP’s growth ambitions in Japan and internationally. The anticipated success of this new alliance builds on the strength of our partnership over the past five years”.
Hirotaka Usami, representative director and founder of Angel Japan AM.
