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Metzler is the oldest private bank in Germany with an unbroken tradition of family ownership since 1674 and is the fifth-oldest financial institution worldwide.

Headquartered in Frankfurt-Main, Metzler offers know-how-driven advisory services and focuses specifically on providing individual capital market services for institutional clients and discerning private individuals in its core areas of business: asset management, capital markets, corporate finance and private banking.

Gerhard Wiesheu, Executive Board Member of B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. AG | © METZLER
Gerhard Wiesheu, Executive Board Member of B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. AG | © METZLER

“While rooted in history, we are a forward-thinking bank and continue to look for opportunities that enable us to stay ahead of the curve,” said Gerhard Wiesheu, a member of the executive board of B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. AG who is also president of the financial center initiative Frankfurt Main Finance.

“We do not engage in on-balance-sheet or lending transactions that could put us at risk. If a transaction does not fit our risk profile or contribute to our client’s long-term success, we simply do not get involved.”

In 2001, Metzler Bank opened an office in Tokyo. However, ties between the bank and the Metzler family and Japan go back much further. About 130 years ago, Moritz von Metzler (1869 to 1935) became the first member of the Metzler family to set foot on Japanese soil. In 1893, he even attended the summer festival of Emperor Meiji.

This year, Metzler celebrates the 20th anniversary of Metzler Asset Management (Japan), its subsidiary based in Tokyo.

“We have developed strong relationships in Japan and my personal friendships there go back 40 years or more,” said Wiesheu, who is also chairman of the Japanese-German Business Association.

“The Japanese market is very important to us and we are continually expanding our reputation as a competent partner in Japan.”

Both Germany and Japan have well-established industries and stable economies. As Japanese companies continue to invest in Germany, Japanese institutional investors are partnering with Metzler more and more. “I am confident that, as a well-suited partner for cross-border investment solutions and due to many years of experience in this field, we can serve as a professional partner for Japanese investors in the German equity market,” Wiesheu said.

Economics and culture are often intrinsically linked. For the last 16 years, Metzler has been a main sponsor of the Nippon Connection, a Japanese film festival held in Frankfurt, which underlines that Metzler’s business commitment in Japan is long-term.

“We are deeply invested in strengthening our connections with Japan, our most important partner in Asia,” Wiesheu said.

“Japan is an ideal partner for Germany. The two countries share common values and business interests. They both have liberal societies based on the rule of law and they trust each other. We at Metzler will continue to work closely with our Japanese friends.”

www.metzler.com