Ichiyoshi Securities

Basic Information

Stock Code
8624
Industry
Securities, commodity futures trading
Category Detail
Securities
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
August 1950
Listing Year
April 1989
Official Website
https://www.ichiyoshi.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Other Companies
Daiwa Securities Group, Nomura Holdings, Okasan Securities Group, Marusan, Toyo Securities, Tokai Tokyo Financial Holdings, Mito, Kyokuto Securities, Iwai Cosmo Holdings, Aizawa Sec G

Overview

Ichiyoshi Securities is a mid-sized securities firm founded in 1950 and based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, specializing in small- and mid-cap stocks and investment services for high-net-worth individuals, with strengths in community-focused operations and advisory services based on its unique investment criteria.

Current Situation

As of 2022, Ichiyoshi Securities has 931 employees and 51 branches, focusing on product offerings for individual investors and public offerings support for mid-sized companies. In March 2022, it withdrew from stock underwriting business to concentrate on asset management advisory. Its financial position is sound, posting consolidated net profit of 4.9 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 2018. It rigorously manages risks through its proprietary 'Ichiyoshi Criteria,' avoids individual foreign stocks and structured bonds, and aims for stable asset growth for customers. It is also engaged in M&A and regional expansion, particularly expanding into local markets through its 'Planet Plaza' outpost format in recent years. Moving forward, it aims for sustainable growth by deepening asset management advisory and strengthening digital services.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Known for its community-focused sales approach
  • Implements unique financial product selection based on 'Ichiyoshi Criteria'
  • Deploys numerous local outposts 'Planet Plaza' to penetrate regions
  • Experienced numerous IPO lead managements as small- and mid-cap specialist
  • Official name is Ichiyoshi Securities Co., Ltd., formerly Ichiyoshi Shoken
  • Founded in 1950 in Osaka but now headquartered in Tokyo
  • Recently strengthened expertise in M&A business
  • Prioritizes safety of financial products, does not handle structured bonds or FX
  • Early transition to committee-based company for governance enhancement
  • Numerous collaborations with regional financial institutions

Hidden Connections

  • Expanded regional network by merging multiple local securities firms such as Sasebo Securities and Ise Securities
  • Major shareholders include major financial institutions like Japan Master Trust Bank
  • Historical background tracing back to Sanei Securities
  • Operates Ichiyoshi Economic Research Institute for proprietary market research
  • Highly rated governance as a Financial Services Agency committee company
  • Deep ties with Nomura Research Institute through capital relationships
  • Business strategy capturing urban and rural customer needs as dual pillars
  • Planet Plaza is a pioneer in local community-focused services

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expansion and deepening of asset management services for high-net-worth clients
  • Strengthening Planet Plaza rollout and new development in local markets
  • Customer base expansion leveraging expertise in small- and mid-cap stock market
  • Expansion of non-face-to-face services through digitalization
  • Growth and high-value addition in M&A advisory business
  • Product development in response to rising ESG investment needs
  • Expansion of asset inheritance services for aging society
  • Improved trust through governance enhancement
  • New customer acquisition through partnerships with regional financial institutions
  • Promotion of safe operations with advanced risk management
  • Service quality enhancement through employee expertise development
  • Diversified business expansion in anticipation of intensifying competition

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve 20% share in domestic high-net-worth market
  • Expand Planet Plaza locations to 50 nationwide
  • Achieve over 10 billion yen in sales in asset management advisory
  • Achieve 5 billion yen in M&A advisory sales
  • Achieve over 80% internal digital tool utilization rate

Business Segments

Corporate listing support

Overview
Supports stock listings and fundraising for ventures and mid-sized companies.
Competitiveness
Approximately 1,000 listing track records and deep local relationships
Customers
  • Small- and mid-cap listed companies
  • Venture companies
  • Growth-oriented companies
  • Companies seeking funding
Products
  • IPO lead underwriting
  • Joint lead underwriting
  • M&A advisory
  • Stock research reports

Asset management related

Overview
Supports asset building for high-net-worth clients through asset management advisory and fund management.
Competitiveness
Advanced management advisory by Ichiyoshi Asset Management
Customers
  • High-net-worth individuals
  • Institutional investors
  • Family offices
  • Financial institutions
Products
  • Fund management advisory
  • Portfolio management
  • Asset management consulting

Securities operations outsourcing

Overview
Supports efficiency in securities operations in collaboration with related subsidiaries.
Competitiveness
Experienced operations support system
Customers
  • Securities firms
  • Financial institutions
  • Investment advisory firms
Products
  • Account opening agency
  • Securities management systems
  • Settlement and clearing services
  • Operations management support

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Expertise specialized in small- and mid-cap stocks
  • Proprietary criteria for high-net-worth asset management advisory
  • Expansion of community-focused branch network
  • Excellent governance structure
  • Abundant IPO and M&A track record
  • High customer loyalty
  • Close relationships with mid-sized companies
  • Diverse financial product lineup
  • Flexible customer responsiveness
  • High-quality research capabilities
  • Stable financial base
  • Highly specialized asset management
  • Strengthened regional network through outposts
  • Strong support for long-term asset building
  • Appropriate risk management system

Competitive Advantages

  • Strong position and trust in small- and mid-cap venture stock market
  • Excludes individual foreign stocks and structured bonds handled by others for safe operations
  • Customer touchpoint expansion through outposts in diverse regions
  • Business strategy focused on asset management advisory to enhance expertise
  • Practical experience based on abundant IPO and lead underwriting track record
  • Advanced market analysis using Economic Research Institute
  • Flexible customer service and customized offerings
  • Unique investment philosophy emphasizing long-term customer asset growth
  • Scale-up through active M&A and corporate acquisitions
  • Governance transparency as a committee-based company
  • Stable management backed by robust financial base
  • Comprehensive financial services through specialized subsidiaries
  • High profitability from high proportion of high-net-worth clients
  • Service improvements through IT and digitalization
  • Strong partnerships with local companies

Threats

  • Intensifying competition with major securities firms
  • Expanding market fluctuation risks
  • Business restrictions from regulatory strengthening
  • Delays in digitalization response
  • Changes in investor demographics due to aging population decline
  • Rise of emerging online securities services
  • Uncertainty in overseas markets
  • IPO market contraction due to economic conditions
  • Increasing cyber security risks
  • Risk of customer asset reduction
  • Challenges in maintaining risk management
  • Prolonged low-interest rate environment in overall market

Innovations

2022: Withdrawal from stock underwriting business

Overview
Ceased securities underwriting operations to shift focus to asset management advisory.
Impact
Reform of revenue structure and enhanced specialization in customer services

2021: Strengthened Planet Plaza outpost expansion

Overview
Opened multiple local outposts to bolster support for regional customers.
Impact
Expanded customer touchpoints and sales in local markets

2020: Digital channel enhancement

Overview
Improved customer convenience through online consultations and digital tools.
Impact
Acquisition of non-face-to-face customers and improved satisfaction

2023: Platform renewal for asset management advisory services

Overview
Upgraded IT systems to improve efficiency and quality of advisory services.
Impact
Faster customer response and enhanced service reliability

2024: Expansion of M&A advisory business

Overview
Established specialized team for M&A advisory to mid-sized companies.
Impact
Established new revenue sources and expanded market share

Sustainability

  • Expanding use of ESG investment metrics in asset management advisory
  • Reducing environmental impact through paperless initiatives
  • Participation in regional economic revitalization programs
  • Improving employee satisfaction through work-life balance promotion
  • Strengthening information security to protect customer assets