Masato Kanda has been elected as the president of the Asian Development Bank.

Masato Kanda, aged 59, currently serves as a special advisor to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance of Japan. Over nearly 40 years of his career, he has held key positions in the Ministry of Finance of Japan, including Deputy Minister for International Affairs, and has been involved in shaping policies in the realms of international finance and macroeconomics.

Kanda has actively participated in international forums such as the G7 and G20, advocating for reforms in multilateral development banks, measures to prevent pandemics, and sustainable debt management. Under his involvement, Japan contributed a record $1 billion to replenish the ADB fund.

Additionally, he chaired the OECD Corporate Governance Committee, leading the review of the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance in 2023.

Masato Kanda earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Tokyo (1987) and a Master of Philosophy in Economics from the University of Oxford (1991).

ADB Chair of the Board of Governors, Fabio Panetta, emphasized that Kanda's leadership will contribute to addressing global economic challenges and strengthening international cooperation.

Established in 1966, the ADB continues its efforts to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific. The bank comprises 69 member countries, 49 of which are located in the region.