Sarah Kanes, Managing Director

Sarah Kanes

Managing Director

Real Estate Banking

Americas

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

21 years
 

AREA OF FOCUS

Real Estate Investment Banking

SCHOOL

University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University MBA, London Business School MBA

What do you do at Mizuho?

Managing Director in the Real Estate Banking Group.

How is Mizuho different from other places where you've worked?

Mizuho is entrepreneurial, creative, collaborative, and evolving. 

What’s a particularly proud moment you’ve had here?

Building the DCM business for REITs from scratch to a top-ten business by finding unique angles and solutions. Looking beyond the obvious in support of our clients, we have gone from co-manager roles to actively leading deals and becoming trusted advisors. Becoming a client’s first call when they are looking for advice, or need to solve a problem, is about as good as it gets. 

What’s the first thing you read every day? 

The Wall Street Journal, e-mail, and e-mails from my kids’ school (which are seemingly endless)!

Tell us about something you've learned from another culture while traveling.

Since joining Mizuho, I have had the opportunity to go to Japan quite a few times and get to know that culture better. These experiences have taught me that there is cultural nuance to the lens through which we see the world. Understanding that allows me to better understand where people are coming from, as well as their goals and priorities. I try to bear that in mind when working cross-border, as well as at home, since the US is so culturally diverse.

What is a topic or issue outside of financial services that interests you? 

I am on the Board of Grace Institute, a 125-year-old organization focused on training and placing low-income NYC women in administrative and healthcare jobs. Supporting these women as they seek to improve their lives and build up their families, is a great honor and something that truly inspires me.

What skill or competency do you feel you've enhanced while at Mizuho? 

Mizuho has given me a great platform to evolve in my own career. I started in investment grade bonds and now I have migrated to banking, where I advise clients on strategy as well as financing (both debt and equity). I have really enjoyed the learning curve and the opportunity to be more impactful to my clients. 

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