Hiroshi Watanabe Keynote Speaker

One of Japan's leading economists
Governor, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (2013-2016)
Japan's Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs (2004-2007)

Hiroshi Watanabe's Biography

Hiroshi Watanabe is a Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Business Administration, Tokyo Seitoku University. He is the former Governor and CEO of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and former Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs, Japan.

Mr. Watanabe joined Japan’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) in 1972 after graduating from the University of Tokyo. Over the course of his career, he held a number of senior roles, including Director-General of the International Bureau, Personal Secretary to the Minister of Finance, and Director in both the Secretarial Division and Tax Bureau.

In 2004, he was appointed Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs, where he was responsible for Japan’s international financial policy, including foreign exchange stabilisation, development assistance, and engagement with the international monetary system. In this role, he represented Japan at major global forums such as the G7, World Bank, IMF, and APEC.

After retiring from the MOF in 2007, he became a Professor at the Graduate School of Commerce and Management at Hitotsubashi University. From 2008 to 2016, he served as CEO of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and from 2013 to 2016 he also held the position of Governor. He later served as President of the Institute for International Monetary Affairs (IIMA) from October 2016 to June 2025.

Since April 2025, he has been a Visiting Professor at Tokyo Seitoku University.

Mr. Watanabe holds an LLB from the University of Tokyo and an MA in Economics from Brown University. He passed the bar examination in 1971.

He has shaped Japan’s international financial policy at the highest level, representing the country at forums including the G7, IMF and World Bank during his tenure as Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs.
He brings deep expertise in global finance, foreign exchange and economic diplomacy, developed through decades of senior leadership within Japan’s Ministry of Finance and JBIC.
He translates complex international economic dynamics into clear insight that helps leaders understand risk, policy direction and global market shifts.
He is an experienced speaker and advisor, offering authoritative perspectives across academic, policy and executive audiences.
His insights help organisations navigate geopolitical uncertainty, align strategy with global financial trends and engage confidently with international stakeholders.