The banking group recently secured a securities business licence from Japanese regulators.

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group has appointed Mitchell Mason as its Japan chief executive, reporting to Farhan Faruqui, group executive for the bank’s international arm.

Mason brings 18 years of banking experience to ANZ, having worked previously at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Deutsche Bank.

ANZ’s move comes after it got the green light from Japan’s Financial Services Agency, the regulator, to start a securities franchise allowing it to sell Australian, New Zealand and Asian bonds, structured notes, repurchase agreements and other products to Japanese investors. 

“Japan is a key trading partner to Australia, and we are committed to growing our footprint in this important market while connecting trade and capital flows in the region for our Institutional customers,” Faruqui said.

Mason will be based in Tokyo, and his appointment is subject to regulatory approval.

In August, ANZ appointed one of its senior managers, Jodi West, as chief executive for its Vietnam operation.