Expanded leadership reflects Mizuho’s focus on delivering integrated Trade Finance solutions to clients globally
London, 27 November 2025: Mizuho EMEA, part of Mizuho Financial Group, one of the largest financial institutions in the world, today announces a series of senior Trade Finance appointments in the Global Transaction Banking Department (GTBD) as it continues to expand and enhance its capabilities across the EMEA region.
In July, Mizuho appointed Ravi Sivasubramanian as Managing Director, Global Transaction Banking, and Head of Trade Finance EMEA. Based in London, he is responsible for driving the strategic development and growth of Mizuho’s Trade Finance business across EMEA, overseeing the origination, structuring, execution and delivery of client solutions throughout the region. Ravi brings more than two decades of experience in risk management, global trade and structured finance, having worked with Barclays, Standard Bank Group and Credit Agricole CIB across London, Lagos, Hong Kong and Singapore.
In October, Saad Latif joined Mizuho GTBD as an Executive Director to lead the Trade Finance activity for the Middle East and Africa region, based in Dubai. Saad brings a wealth of global experience, having held senior roles at Citi Group, SMBC, American Express, Barclays and Gulf International Bank, working across Dubai, Australia, Bahrain and Pakistan. His remit includes leading strategic initiatives to enhance trade finance solutions tailored to local needs and deepening engagement with key stakeholders to strengthen Mizuho’s position as a trusted partner in the region.
Late last year, Dr. Julia Plakitkina joined Mizuho GTBD in Frankfurt as an Executive Director to lead the Trade Finance activity covering Northern and Southern European clients. With over 19 years’ experience at large international financial institutions including Société Générale, BNP Paribas and Santander, and expertise across international trade, supply chains, commodities, structured and export finance, syndications and cash management, Julia supports the strategic development of the business in close coordination with the European Client Coverage team and Mizuho's management in Frankfurt and Amsterdam.
Kenji Kanda, Managing Director and Head of Mizuho GTBD Europe, commented:
“These appointments mark an important step in the continued development of our Trade Finance franchise in EMEA. Trade Finance is a key pillar of Mizuho’s Global Transaction Banking offer and plays an essential role in supporting clients’ international ambitions. The new EMEA leadership has already made strong progress enhancing our regional presence and deepening collaboration across markets, creating a solid foundation for the next phase of our growth”.
Ravi Sivasubramanian, Head of Trade Finance EMEA, added:
“I am pleased to have joined Mizuho as we expand our Trade Finance platform across EMEA. With Saad in Dubai and Julia in Frankfurt, we have impressive leadership in place in key regional centres with deep market expertise – enhancing client connectivity and delivering comprehensive, tailored financing solutions that respond to our clients’ global needs.”
These senior appointments reflect Mizuho’s continued momentum as it strengthens its EMEA franchise. Last month, the company announced the appointment of Matthew Ponsonby as Head of the Corporate and Investment Bank, EMEA and President & CEO of Mizuho International plc.
ENDS
About Mizuho EMEA
Mizuho EMEA provides corporates and institutions in the region with unparalleled access and expertise in Japan and Asia, and supports clients with their corporate and investment banking, and asset management needs. Headquartered in London and with a strong presence throughout the region, our client base includes leading corporations, financial institutions and state owned entities. Mizuho is deeply committed to serving client needs, enabling our people to flourish, and helping to improve society and communities where we do business.
Mizuho’s presence in EMEA is an integral part of the Japan-based Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. Mizuho Financial Group is one of the largest financial institutions in the world, offering comprehensive financial and strategic services through its subsidiaries. The group has over 900 offices and 60,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and Asia. As of 31 March 2024, its total assets were US$2 trillion.