Masaki Iso

Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd. (Nikko AM) is the investment management subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc. (TYO: 8309, ADR: SUTNY) in Japan. The firm is headquartered in Tokyo and has additional offices in London, New York, Hong Kong and Singapore. Founded in 1959, Nikko AM provides investment advisory and asset management services to institutional investors, such as corporations, pension funds, trust banks, charitable organizations, government agencies and funds, supranational organizations; as well as pooled investment vehicles, including Japanese investment trusts, and Nikko AM Group affiliates. The firm is a socially responsible investor and signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI).

Yasuda Asset Management Co. Ltd. (YAM) is a majority-owned subsidiary of Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co., with Fukoku Mutual Life Insurance holding a small minority interest. YAM was established in 1999 and is located in Tokyo. The firm provides investment advisory and asset management services to institutions including group pension schemes. YAM develops and manages a diverse range investment trusts, operating in conjunction with external asset managers for part of their product range. They also advise discretionary portfolios and manage insurance portfolios for the parent group.