Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masato Kanda Starts as ADB President Succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa, Masato Kanda was Japan Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs & Held Senior Roles at World Bank & OECD, ADB Founded in 1966 & is Owned by 69 Members
25th February 2025 | Hong Kong
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) new President Masato Kanda has started his new role (24/2/25), succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa. Masato Kanda was Japan Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs, and had held senior roles at the World Bank & OECD. Asian Development Bank (ADB) was founded in 1966, and is owned by 69 members. ADB (24/2/25): “Masato Kanda officially assumed office as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today. Mr. Kanda succeeds Masatsugu Asakawa, continuing a legacy of excellence and innovation. With nearly four decades of experience in international finance and development policy, Mr. Kanda is widely recognized for his forward-thinking leadership and his decisive interventions during periods of market volatility. During his tenure as Japan’s Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs, he was instrumental in pioneering innovative financial solutions and orchestrating policy actions that helped stabilize markets. Mr. Kanda’s appointment underscores ADB’s ongoing evolution and its commitment to meeting the dynamic needs of its developing member countries. As the bank embarks on a new phase of strategic growth, his leadership will build on ADB’s strong legacy while also positioning the institution to address future challenges and opportunities. The ADB Board of Governors’ decision to elect Mr. Kanda was unanimous, reflecting broad confidence in his ability to steer ADB during a time of significant change. His extensive background in managing complex economic policies and his hands-on experience in multilateral settings will be invaluable as ADB continues to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape. ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.” In 2024 December, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors unanimously elected Masato Kanda as ADB 11th President, succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa on 24th February 2025.
“ Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masato Kanda Starts as ADB President Succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa, Masato Kanda was Japan Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs & Held Senior Roles at World Bank & OECD, ADB Founded in 1966 & is Owned by 69 Members “
New ADB President Masato Kanda:“I am deeply honored to take on the role of ADB President at this important moment for our region,” Mr. Kanda said. “With the trust of our 69 members and strong support of our dedicated staff, I am committed to advancing ADB’s mission to promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth. Together, we will respond to pressing development challenges, ensuring that ADB remains the partner of choice for the region.”
Chair of the ADB Board of Governors Fabio Panetta: “Masato Kanda brings a wealth of experience and a refreshing perspective to ADB. His proven track record in navigating complex financial challenges and fostering international cooperation makes him the ideal leader to guide us as we build upon our strengths and seize emerging opportunities. I am confident that under his leadership, ADB will deliver targeted and impactful solutions for our developing member countries. I am ready to harness the collective expertise within our organization and work closely with our partners to drive transformative change, especially for those most in need,” Mr. Kanda added, reflecting on his appointment. “Our focus will be on pragmatic actions that deliver real results, ensuring that our support creates lasting improvements in the lives of people throughout Asia and the Pacific.”
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Elects Masato Kanda as 11th President Succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa on 24th February 2025
3rd December 2024 – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors has unanimously elected Masato Kanda as ADB 11th President, succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa on 24th February 2025. ADB (28/11/24): “The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors has unanimously elected Masato Kanda as ADB’s 11th President. Mr. Kanda, 59, currently serves as Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. He will assume office on 24 February 2025, succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa, who will leave office on 23 February 2025. Mr. Kanda will complete the unexpired term of President Asakawa, which ends on 23 November 2026. With nearly 4 decades of experience, Mr. Kanda has held key leadership roles at the Ministry of Finance of Japan, including Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs. He has extensive experience in financial sector policy and macro-fiscal policy, having served as Deputy Commissioner at the Financial Services Agency, Deputy Director-General of the Budget Bureau, and Deputy Vice-Minister for Policy Planning and Coordination. He is also a leading expert in education and science policy as well as university reform. Mr. Kanda has been actively engaged in the G7, G20, and other international forums, addressing key policy challenges such as multilateral development bank (MDB) evolution, pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, and debt sustainability and transparency. During his tenure as Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs, Japan made a record contribution of more than $1 billion to the Asian Development Fund 13th replenishment (ADF 14). Since 2016, Mr. Kanda has served as Chair of the OECD Corporate Governance Committee, overseeing the review of the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance in 2023. He also has substantial experience in strategic discussions and decision-making at MDBs, having served as Alternate Executive Director for Japan at the World Bank. Mr. Kanda obtained his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tokyo in 1987, and M.Phil in Economics from Oxford University in 1991. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.”
Chair of the ADB Board of Governors and Governor of the Bank of Italy Fabio Panetta: “Mr. Kanda’s extensive experience in international finance and proven leadership in multilateral settings will serve ADB well in navigating complex global economic challenges and fostering international cooperation. The ADB Board of Governors looks forward to working with Mr. Kanda.”
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