< The 2016 All-Japan Research Team

Total Appearances: 3

Analyst Debut: 2014

Continuing the steady advance she has recorded since first appearing on this roster as a runner-up in 2014, Rie Nishihara climbs from third place to second. Over the past year she expanded her coverage universe by two names, for a total of six Japanese banks, and “has a better feel for capital policy and the global regulatory environment than others because of her network of contacts and unrivaled access to the Bank of Japan,” remarks one investor, referring to the researcher’s 16-year tenure at the central bank. “Her background,” echoes another admirer, “gives her a superior understanding and sense about changes to come.” In particular, another fund manager points out, Nishihara’s September report on the reorganization of regional banks in an environment of megabank consolidation is noteworthy for its “coherence and prescience.” After nearly four years at Mizuho Securities Group, Nishihara, 45, will be leaving the firm at the end of this month.