Hoshino Named Head of Japan Markets at Citi

Citi has announced the appointment of Akira Hoshino as head of markets for Japan with immediate effect, just short of six months after Tokiya Kishie was named to the role.

Hoshino will report to Paul Smith, head of markets for Japan, Asia north & Australia, as well as Robert Nakamura, Citi country officer and banking head for Japan. He joined Citi in 2019 as head of FX and in 2022 added Rates sales to his remit. He joined from MUFG in Tokyo where he was head of global markets sales and trading at MUFG Bank. Hoshino also served as chair of the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market Committee from 2009 to 2019, and vice chair of Global Foreign Exchange Committee (GFXC) from 2017 to 2020.

Kishie, a 15-year veteran of Citi in Japan, was named to the role in September 2024 to replace Nakamura, who was promoted to his current role, Kishie’s position is unknown.

“Akira has been an exemplary leader with a proven track record, industry experience, and a deep knowledge of the Markets business in Japan.,” says Smith. “His leadership will provide valuable support to our clients in this critical market.”