Mizuho Americas COO Team Named Top Banking Unit
The bank has seen significant growth in transaction volume and global profit contribution under new leadership.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Financial Services
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American Banker recently honored the Mizuho Americas COO team as a premier group in the banking sector. The 32-member team is recognized for driving growth, including a rise in transaction volume rankings over the last several years.
Why it matters
The team has been instrumental in executing business development strategies by identifying marketplace trends and expanding the bank's international reach. This recognition reflects the division's success in doubling revenues and significantly increasing its contribution to the global parent company.
The Mizuho Americas banking division currently contributes approximately 25% of the net operating profits to Mizuho Financial Group globally. The division handles operations backed by over $2 trillion in total corporate assets.
The players
Michal Katz
She serves as the leader of the investment and corporate banking division at Mizuho Americas.
Mizuho Financial Group
This is a major Japanese banking and financial services institution with over $2 trillion in assets.
JERA
This is a major Japanese energy company that Mizuho advised on a significant recent acquisition.
Greenhill and Co.
This investment bank was acquired by Mizuho in 2023 to expand its advisory capabilities.
The details
Led by Michal Katz, the 32-member team includes 19 women and focuses on strategic initiatives such as educational roadshows and geopolitical analysis for clients. The group recently facilitated the $1.5 billion acquisition of GEP Haynesville II by JERA and oversees efforts to integrate hundreds of professionals following major corporate acquisitions.
Timeline
Michal Katz assumed leadership of the banking division in 2019.
Mizuho completed the acquisition of Greenhill and Co. in 2023.
The division climbed to a 12th-place ranking in transaction volume by 2025.
Several team members were awarded promotions in April 2026.
Bankers conducted annual client roadshows in Japan over the past two years.
Market Landscape
The firm’s recent success is heavily tied to the 2023 acquisition of Greenhill and Co., which added hundreds of professionals to its ranks. This integration reflects a broader industry trend of large financial institutions absorbing boutique firms to compete more aggressively in global markets.
Clients may see an expanded array of advisory services and deeper expertise in geopolitical risk following these organizational changes. Increased transaction activity often correlates with broader availability of corporate banking products for institutional and commercial partners.
The takeaway
The team’s rapid climb in rankings highlights how strategic staffing and international networking can boost a division's profitability. Maintaining this growth trajectory remains the central challenge as the firm pursues its goal of becoming a top 10 global investment bank.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts, explore updates in Financial Services.
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