Mizuho seeks to expand investment banking business in India: report

Core Insights - Mizuho Financial Group is exploring opportunities to expand its investment banking operations in India, leveraging its corporate advisory and finance experience from other regions [1][2] - The bank aims to focus on serving corporate and institutional clients rather than commercial clients, aligning its approach in India with its global strategy [2] - Mizuho has engaged in discussions to acquire a controlling interest in Avendus Capital, an Indian investment bank, although these negotiations are currently paused [2][3] Strategic Goals - Mizuho has set a target to become the leading investment bank in Asia within five years [4] - The acquisition of Greenhill & Co in 2023 is part of Mizuho's strategy to enhance its capabilities in cross-border M&A mandates [4] - The bank aims to transition from being a Japanese bank with international operations to a truly global bank, with nearly 40% of its gross profit coming from its global corporate and investment banking division [5] Leadership and Personnel Development - Suneel Bakhshi, the deputy president of Mizuho, emphasizes the importance of developing skilled personnel to achieve international goals, particularly by increasing the number of non-Japanese staff working abroad [6] - Thomas Hartnett has been appointed as head of fixed income activities across the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Africa to support Mizuho's ambitions [5]