Barclays today announced the appointments of Takeo Kamai as Head of High-Touch Sales Trading, Japan, and Warren Kim, to its Cash Equities business.

Based in Tokyo, they will join the High-Touch Sales Trading team led by Joseph (Joe) Lee, Head of High-Touch Sales Trading, Asia Pacific (APAC).

The appointments of Takeo and Warren mark an important step in the continued growth of Barclays’ Japan Equities business, re-establishing an on-the-ground high-touch execution capability and further strengthening the bank’s client offering in this key market.

“Clients value trusted execution partners who can combine local market expertise with global reach,” said Christian Treuer, Head of Equities Distribution, APAC. “Takeo and Warren bring extensive experience serving international investors, and their appointments enhance our ability to deliver high-quality execution and market insight in Japan.”

“Japan is one of the world’s most important equity markets and remains a strategic focus for Barclays,” said Paul Johnson, Head of Equities APAC. “We are pleased to welcome two highly experienced professionals whose expertise and long-standing client relationships will further enhance our offering and deepen our presence in this strategically important market.”

Takeo joins from CLSA, where he most recently led its execution services business in Japan, overseeing high-touch, program and electronic trading.

Warren most recently led CLSA’s offshore sales trading business in Japan.

Together, they bring extensive experience across execution, sales trading, liquidity solutions and client coverage, as well as deep expertise in Japanese equities.