Masato Kanda — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), assuming office February 24, 2025
Served as Japan's Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs (2021-2025), the country's top currency diplomat
Referred to as the country's 'FX Tsar' during his tenure as Vice-Minister due to remarks on currency intervention
Nearly 40 years of public service experience, including roles at the Ministry of Finance, World Bank, and OECD
Deep expertise in financial sector policy, macro-fiscal strategy, and international diplomacy
Holds an MPhil in economics from St Hugh's College, Oxford, and a law degree from the University of Tokyo

Biography

Masato Kanda is the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), a leading multilateral development bank dedicated to fostering sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. He was elected to this role in November 2024 and is set to assume office on February 24, 2025. At ADB, he focuses on harnessing innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard the planet for developing member countries.