Crédit Agricole celebrates its 80th anniversary in Japan

Events

In 2026, the Crédit Agricole Group marks eight decades of presence in Japan, a strategic and important market for the Bank.

A Celebration Highlighting the Group’s Ambitions

The anniversary was commemorated by several meaningful events:

The inauguration of state-of-the-art offices on the 50th floor of Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower—in the heart of one of Tokyo's premier international financial districts—underscores the Group's renewed commitment and ambitions in Japan. The new headquarters brings together 350 colleagues from two Crédit Agricole Group’s entities: Crédit Agricole CIB and Crédit Agricole Life Insurance.

  • Crédit Agricole Group 80-Year Anniversary Reception (July)

A celebration bringing together 650 clients, partners, and employees, featuring guest speakers: SoftBank Board Director, Senior Vice President & CFO Yoshimitsu Goto, and French Ambassador to Japan Béatrice Le Fraper du Hellen. Hosted by Crédit Agricole S.A. CEO Olivier Gavalda, Crédit Agricole Assurance CEO Nicolas Denis, and Amundi Deputy General Manager and Chair of Asia Fannie Wurtz.

  • A concert at Villa Kujoyama in Kyoto (July)

The Anniversary cocktail reception was followed by a private concert at Villa Kujoyama, part of the “Institut Français” in Kyoto, featuring pianist Madoka Fukami and soprano Yumiko Tanimura with 40 key clients and partners of the Kansai region attending the event.

Dominique Blanchard, Jean-Francois Deroche, Nicolas VIX, Laurent DEPUS (Secretary General of International Bankers Association of Japan), Nicolas DENIS (CEO of Credit Agricole Assurances), Katsumi FUJIKAWA (President & CEO of Amundi Japan), Fannie Wurtz (Deputy CEO and Chair of Asia at Amundi), Yoshimitsu Goto (Board Director, Corporate Officer, Senior Vice President, CFO & CISO of SoftBank), Olivier Gavalda, Benjamin Lamberg, Beatrice Le Fraper du Hellen (Ambassador of France to Japan), Norbert Leuret, President & Representative Director of LVMH Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy Japan, and President of the French Foreign Trade Advisors – Japan Committee (CCEF Japon), Jerome Chouchan (President of the French Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCI France Japon)), Philippe Demangeat (CEO of CA Life Insurance Japan), Francois Josse (Head of International Insurance at Crédit Agricole Assurances), Masaya Noda (Vice-Chairman at Credit Agricole CIB Tokyo Branch), Satoru Higuchi (CEO of Credit Agricole Securities Asia B.V. Tokyo Branch).

Eight Decades and Beyond: A Lasting Commitment to Japan

As the world’s fourth-largest economy with robust trade, and one of the most sophisticated, innovation-driven and important financial markets, Japan offers unique opportunities for international banking.

  • From Pioneer to Market Leader

Since 1946, when Banque de l'Indochine became the second foreign bank to be registered in Japan, the Crédit Agricole Group has built a strong presence in the country. The subsequent integration of Indosuez and Crédit Lyonnais further strengthened the Group's position as a leading foreign player in Japan—resulting in its recognition as one of the largest issuers of Samurai bonds worldwide. Explore the Group’s long and rich history in Japan in this article Will open in a new tab from our Bank's Archives department.

Today, Crédit Agricole CIB operates through two licensed entities: Crédit Agricole CIB - Tokyo Branch and Crédit Agricole Securities Asia B.V. - Tokyo Branch, to accompany clients' development in Japan and their international growth strategies with:

 - Comprehensive financing capabilities for capex, acquisitions, export, trade, and real assets, delivered with an advisory-focused approach.

 - Leading positions in global markets solutions, with recognised cross-border expertise in hedging, investments, and balance sheet solutions. The Securities entity is a member of the Japan Securities Clearing Corporation for JPY Interest Rate Swaps (IRS) and a Primary Dealer for Japanese Government Bonds (JGBs).

 - Pioneering expertise in sustainable finance, supporting the Japanese economy's transition toward decarbonization.

In Japan, the Group also provides asset management services through Amundi and insurance products through Crédit Agricole Life Insurance.

  • Looking Ahead: The Japan Acceleration Plan

In its ACT 2028 Strategic Plan, the Group has identified Japan as a key growth opportunity, reflecting confidence in the country's economic outlook and signaling continued investment in this vital market.

Quote

At Crédit Agricole CIB, the Japan Acceleration Plan aims to fuel on the solid business growth momentum, leveraging its global network to better connect Japan with the rest of the world. After 80 years, Crédit Agricole's commitment to Japan remains stronger than ever, a testament to the enduring value of this strategic partnership and our motto—working every day in the interest of our customers and society

Benjamin Lamberg

Senior Country Officer for Crédit Agricole Group Japan

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