Trust, Technology, and Tradition:
Highlights from our Private Dinner in Tokyo

Last Wednesday, the heart of Tokyo’s Tsukiji district became the setting for an evening that brought together some of the most influential voices in capital markets. At Tsukiji Jisaku, we welcomed senior leaders from MUFG, Mizuho, SMBC, Nomura, Morgan Stanley and our partners at Murex and KX, for a night of meaningful conversation, cultural immersion and connection.

We were deeply honoured to have His Majesty’s Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom, as our guest of honour. Ambassador Longbottom’s presence set the tone for the evening, and her leadership during a lively Q&A session drew out candid, thoughtful perspectives from all corners of the room. The discussion ranged widely: from the necessity of aligning technology and business strategy to the critical importance of data quality in AI initiatives. As well as the ongoing challenge of explaining increasingly complex systems to non-technical audiences, regulators, and ultimately, retail markets.

A recurring theme throughout the evening was the human dimension of our industry. Trust which has been built over years, yet fragile enough to be lost in a moment, remains the bedrock of capital markets. Several guests reflected on the future, sharing personal stories about their children and the world they will inherit. The conversation turned to the unique realities of the Japanese market, where even as AI promises productivity gains and cost savings, the social contract around employment means the equation looks very different compared to other regions.

The evening was not just about business. The artistry of a traditional geisha performance and the exceptional cuisine at Jisaku provided a memorable backdrop, reminding us of the importance of culture and tradition in forging lasting relationships. And for many, it was a first experience of geisha performance and the unique hospitality of Tokyo.

As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that the connections in the room had deepened. New relationships were formed, and existing ones strengthened, not only as industry colleagues, but as friends. The support of Invest Northern Ireland – Asia Pacific, and the presence of Oscar Hard, were invaluable, as always. Their ongoing commitment to First Derivative, an EPAM company, is something our Tokyo team deeply appreciates.

A special thank you goes to our senior leadership, Andrew Colhoun, Karen O’Beacháin, and Balazs Fejes, for their blend of AI thought leadership and, in Balazs’s case, professional-level photography that captured the spirit of the evening!

Thanks
Eoin