For over 40 years, Mizuho Bank Ltd. has been a steadfast partner to top-tier corporations in Japan and Canada. With offices strategically located in Toronto and Calgary, Mizuho Canada has cultivated deep expertise across key Canadian industries.
As the institution looks to the future, it continues to strengthen its investment banking capabilities, building upon a robust foundation in corporate banking. To gain deeper insights into Mizuho Canada’s journey and its vision for fostering Canada-Japan ties, we spoke with Managing Director and Country Head Koichi Sakamoto.
Bridges: Can you highlight some key moments in the bank’s journey in Canada?
Sakamoto: Our footprint dates to 1982. We work with a wide range of clients across Canada, including those in the automotive, power and utility, energy, renewables and financial sectors. Over the last decade, we have focused on strengthening our investment banking services alongside our traditional corporate banking business. Our local top bankers, with their deep industry expertise, have been instrumental in enhancing our position in the market.
What unique advantages does Mizuho Canada offer?
Our strengths include a wide and robust client base in both Japan and Canada, deep industry expertise, strong product capabilities and global reach with significant cross-border collaboration.
A major advantage is our affiliate M&A advisory firm Greenhill, which joined the Mizuho group in December 2023. Together, we actively pursue collaborative initiatives to act as a bridge between Japanese and Canadian corporations, supporting their new investment projects globally.
For instance, Mizuho recently acted as financial advisor on a landmark $9 billion acquisition of the largest refined fuel pipeline in the U.S., and we also served as joint lead arranger and initial underwriter on a $500 million revolving credit facility to support the transaction. This milestone deal demonstrates our collective sector expertise across Mizuho/Greenhill and our commitment to cross-border collaboration.
As a leading global bank connecting Japan and Canada, Mizuho is committed to accelerating our corporate and investment banking business and supporting our clients’ investment and business expansion in Canada.
Koichi Sakamoto, Managing Director and Country Head of Mizuho Bank
How do you see the bilateral relationship evolving, and what role will Mizuho play?
Canada possesses great potential for further growth with its vast land, abundant natural resources and growing population. Its open approach to foreign countries and a sophisticated legal system attract foreign investment, including financial institutions like ours. I believe Japan and Canada, sharing common values, will further strengthen our political and economic ties. As a leading global bank connecting Japan and Canada, Mizuho is committed to accelerating our corporate and investment banking business and supporting our clients’ investment and business expansion in Canada.
