Macquarie Capital Securities Japan appoints new Head of Equities and Head of Research

Macquarie Securities Group, the equities broking arm of Macquarie Group, today announced the appointments in Japan of Stuart Smythe as Head of Equities and David Gibson as Head of Research.

Mr Smythe, an Executive Director at Macquarie, has relocated from India where he was the head of Macquarie Securities' operations. He established Macquarie's platform in India in 2005. That entity now includes Macquarie's cash equities, equity derivatives, futures and options broking and equity research operations, together with Macquarie Capital Advisors, its corporate finance and advisory business. Macquarie Securities is now ranked among the top foreign brokers in India by revenue.

"Stuart's experience and proven track record will be a huge boost to our Japan business at this important time in its development," said Roy Laidlaw, Executive Director and Head of Macquarie Securities Group. "Our business in Japan continues to grow and we are well positioned to exploit the opportunities there."

Macquarie Capital Securities Japan is a full service cash equities business which covers more than 170 stocks in Japan. Macquarie Capital Securities Japan has more than 70 professionals located in Tokyo.

Mr Gibson brings to his new role as Head of Japan Research more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, including 13 years of funds management experience prior to joining Macquarie in 2000. Since then, David has worked in New York covering the media sector. He relocated to Japan in 2005 to build a top ranked franchise in the consumer electronics and games sector. His appointment further signifies a strong commitment to Japan by Macquarie Group.

"Macquarie Securities continues to build its businesses in Asia," said Mr Laidlaw. "We already hold the number one market position in Australia; we are a top ranked broker in Asia, and Japan remains key to our continued success and future growth."

Macquarie Securities Group has grown in strength since its parent, Macquarie Group, acquired ING’s Asian equities business in 2004. The business now has one of the largest equities research and sales teams dedicated to the Asia-Pacific region, made up of more than 300 research analysts, sales and sales traders, covering more than 1,200 listed companies.