Bear Stearns strengthens Japanese fixed income

US investment bank Bear Stearns has strengthened its fixed-income presence in Tokyo with the hire of Masakazu (Max) Kobayashi as head of fixed-income sales and strategic finance.

Kobayashi joins the bank from Merrill Lynch in Tokyo, where he was managing director of the global Japan client group. He focused on fixed-income structured products.

“Max’s experience, client relationships and knowledge of the fixed-income market-place will be a great asset in developing our important and growing Japanese franchise,” said Michel Peretie, chairman of Bear Stearns International and head of fixed income in Europe and Asia.

In addition to his fixed-income role, Kobayashi will be vice-chairman of Bear Stearns Japan.

Before joining Merrill, Kobayashi was president of Lazard Asset Management.