MUFG to boost hiring in Japan’s wealth management sector- report

Core Insights - Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) plans to enhance recruitment in Japan's wealth management sector by hiring approximately 40 new graduates annually starting April next year, reflecting a strategic focus on generating stable fee income [1][2] Recruitment Strategy - MUFG is targeting clients with assets of at least Y300 million ($2 million), estimating that around 300,000 account holders qualify for wealth management services [2] - The current workforce in MUFG's wealth operations consists of about 4,000 employees, indicating a need for additional personnel to meet growing market demands [2][3] - The bank is receiving wealth management expertise from Morgan Stanley by sending trainees to New York for practical experience [2] Market Trends - The decision to increase recruitment is driven by rising stock market and real estate prices in Japan, leading to an increase in wealthy clients [3] - MUFG aims to transition towards a fee-based model, focusing on increasing assets under management rather than relying on transaction frequency [3] Investment Initiatives - MUFG is establishing an equity fund of nearly Y50 billion to invest in middle and later-stage startups in Japan, addressing the shortage of large-scale patient capital for growth companies [4] - The bank is also exploring global expansion through acquisitions and partnerships with overseas money managers [4]