MF Global, an intermediary offering customized solutions in global cash, derivatives and related markets, has launched an independent, equities research, sales and execution team that is expected to provide its global clients with insight and analysis on Japan’s most liquid stocks. In addition, the company has changed the name of its Tokyo-based business from FXA Securities to MF Global FXA Securities.
Reportedly, the research driven brokerage team, led by managing director Graham Elliott, will offer independent and thematic analysis on Japanese companies. It has been reported that the team’s output will serve as an alternative to general maintenance research, which has become the standard offering for Japanese equities.
Bernard Dan, CEO of MF Global, said: “Building on the success of our European research led model, the expansion into Japanese equities furthers our pan-Asia growth strategy and enhances our client offering with access to regional markets. Our clients throughout Asia as well as in North America and Europe can now participate in the world’s second largest economy armed with the independent intelligence that our analysts and sales team provide.”
Mr. Elliott said: “Over the last two years, the number of research providers in Japan has declined markedly through mergers or withdrawals from the market. As a result, investors tell us that it has become increasingly difficult to find quality research that they can rely on. So we are seizing what we see as a prime opportunity to provide valuable analysis that is independent and unconflicted due to our agency-only equities model.”
