International banks achieve a "bumper harvest" in the Japanese market

Golden Ten Data reported on May 12 that Goldman Sachs Group achieved its highest income in Japan in more than a decade, with major global banks also enjoying a bumper year thanks to the recovery of Japan's financial markets. According to regulatory filings, Goldman Sachs Japan Securities’ net income for the 12 months ended December 31 last year rose 10% to 125.5 billion yen (about $800 million), marking its best performance in 15 years, mainly driven by securities trading business. International banks are seeking to profit from the revival of Japan’s financial markets and corporate activities. Data shows that Japanese-related M&A transaction volume hit a record in 2025 and grew a further 60% this year. Meanwhile, the Japanese stock market reached a record high, and speculation about monetary policy boosted yen-denominated bond trading activity. A certain exchange’s Japan securities business reported its highest income in at least a decade last year, partly thanks to growth in M&A advisory services. Another exchange’s Japan securities subsidiary recorded its highest comprehensive income since 2021. Yet another exchange’s Japan securities business also posted its highest income performance since the fiscal year ended March 2014.