Kazuaki Takabatake has been named Deputy CEO of Saxo Capital Markets Pte. Ltd, while Wataru Kojima has been brought onboard to lead the bank's Japanese business. Both men come to Saxo Bank from London-based derivatives trading software vendor Patsystems, which was formerly led by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saxo Capital Markets Pte. Ltd., Kevin Ashby.

Mr. Takabatake comes to Saxo after a lengthy career in London as a broker and dealer with Yamaichi International, and subsequently at IBJ, where he served as Vice President. An early champion of electronic trading, he joined Patsystems in 2000. After spearheading the company's move into Singapore, he became regional director for Patsystems' Asia business, steering the Asia region to 300% growth over the last three years. At Saxo Capital Markets, Mr. Takabatake will report directly to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Ashby.

Mr. Kojima comes to Saxo after many years based in London, first at ISI-Dentsu, where he was Principle Manager responsible for systems and consultancy to several European banks. He later moved to Patsystems' Tokyo office, where he led the company's Japanese business.

In a statement accompanying news of the dual hires, Saxo Capital Markets Chairman and CEO Kevin Ashby said the decision to bolster the Singapore-based management team - particularly its focus on Japan - reflects the company's continued commitment to serving Far East clients and partners with concentrated local support, qualified staff, and greater management bandwidth.

"Both Kaz and Wataru bring to Saxo a wealth of experience in the Far East and a great understanding of both the nuts and bolts and the exciting future of electronic trading. I look forward to working with both of them and I know that their experience and drive will bring major benefits to Saxo Capital Markets," said Ashby.