Mr. Shinji Miyasaka, Executive Director Nomura International PLC
Thriving at the heart of global finance in London while staying connected to his roots
Mr. Shinji Miyasaka graduated from the School of Engineering and later earned a Master’s degree in Engineering from its graduate school in 2002. Following the completion, he chose to enter the international financial industry. In 2009, he moved to London, where he continues to work as a trader at the heart of global finance.
Discovering an interest in global finance
As a graduate student, Mr. Miyasaka focused on producing highly controlled silicon surfaces at the nanoscale used for semiconductors and developing equipment to evaluate them. Although he enjoyed research, he decided to pursue a different career.
“I wanted to see what other worlds were out there,” he recalls.
During his job search, he considered a wide range of industries. Finance attracted him because of its international nature and the possibility of working with people around the world. He was also introduced to the industry by a university alumnus working at J.P. Morgan, where he would later begin his career. Foreign exchange markets operate continuously across Asian cities, London, and New York. Their global and fast-moving character appealed to him.
“If I was going to do this kind of work, I wanted to work overseas someday,” he says.
Taking an unexpected opportunity in London
Mr. Miyasaka joined J.P. Morgan in Tokyo in 2002, and moved to Lehman Brothers in 2007. After the company collapsed during the global financial crisis in 2008, its Asian and European businesses were acquired by Nomura. Mr. Miyasaka was invited to join the former Lehman team in London and decided to take the opportunity without hesitation. He relocated there in 2009 as a locally hired employee and continues to work there now as Executive Director of Nomura International PLC.
Achieving results through collaboration in a constantly changing market
Today, he works mainly with financial products related to Japan. As a trader, he finds satisfaction in achieving results, but he also values collaboration with colleagues around the world.
“I am happy when a trade is profitable, but it is especially rewarding when discussions with colleagues lead to good results for everyone involved,” he says.
Financial markets are continually affected by political events, wars, pandemics, and changes in interest rates. There is no permanent formula and no single correct answer. This uncertainty is one reason his research background remains relevant. When the market moves, he asks why, gathers information, considers different explanations, and gradually builds confidence in his conclusion.
“The process of investigating what happened and developing evidence is similar to research,” he explains.
Although he does not directly use his scientific knowledge in finance, the analytical mindset he developed at university continues to support his work.
Recognizing that finance is built on human relationships
Mr. Miyasaka also believes that finance is ultimately built on human relationships. Through conversations with colleagues and clients from different countries, background, and cultures, he has developed knowledge, intuition, and professional connections while building mutual trust.
“I want to bring together what I have learned from people, find an answer, produce results, and eventually give something back to others,” he says.
Working in London requires not only a strong command of English, but also sustained effort to work with people who have different background, culture and values. Through this experience, he has learned the importance of direct communication. People are expected to state their opinions clearly, regardless of age or position. Discussions move quickly, and colleagues openly challenge one another. At the same time, living abroad has strengthened his appreciation for Japan. He values the quiet consideration that Japanese people often show toward others.
“Direct communication helps discussions move forward, while the Japanese ability to sense how others feel can create comfort,” he says. “Both have their strengths.”
Maintaining a strong connection to his roots
He remains in touch with friends from university, and these friendships continue to support him. His pride in what he learned at the university gives him confidence in his life and career. His connection to Japan is especially strong through his hometown of Kaizuka City, Osaka. Local festivals bring the community together, and he regularly returns from London to participate.
In the future, Mr. Miyasaka hopes to use the experience, knowledge, and networks he has gained overseas to contribute to his hometown. He imagines serving as a bridge between people, ideas, and opportunities.
A message to OU students to “Grow Globally”
“Experience the world. Going overseas broadens your perspective. When you meet people whose backgrounds and ways of thinking are completely different, you begin to see things you could not see before. You may also discover a new side of yourself.”
He hopes that students who learn abroad will eventually bring their experiences back to Japan and use them to help create a better future.