CEO Insights Magazine

Chief Legal Officers (CLOs) in Japan hold pivotal roles in ensuring legal compliance and strategic decision-making within their organizations. They navigate intricate regulatory frameworks, oversee risk management, and provide guidance on complex legal matters. Hiroyuki Urase exemplifies the caliber of CLOs in Japan, leveraging his extensive experience to lead legal and compliance departments at Sony Financial Group.

With a career spanning over 34 years, Hiroyuki is renowned for his expertise in corporate law, business incubation, and strategic alliances. His proactive approach to compliance and keen understanding of the evolving legal landscape makes him a trusted advisor and leader in the industry. Embarking on a distinctive exchange with CEO Insights Asia magazine, Hiroyuki divulges the intricate facets of his transformative journey as a prominent leader in Japan. Let's explore further.

What sparked your interest in the legal and compliance field, and what motivates you as a leader in the industry today?

During my high school years, I found myself torn between two passions which were law and biology. In the Japanese educational system, this pivotal moment required a decisive choice for my future career path. Ultimately, I opted to pursue law, envisioning a future as a lawyer in Japan. However, upon entering university and delving deeper into legal studies, a new possibility emerged which was becoming an in-house counsel. The idea intrigued me since unlike traditional lawyers, in-house counsel holds a unique position within a company, wielding influence during negotiations and decision-making processes. This dynamic role promised a blend of legal expertise and business acumen, which captivated my interest.

Consequently, I made the deliberate choice to join Sony, drawn by the prospect of shaping legal strategy from within a corporate environment. Today, as a leader in the legal and compliance field, my motivation stems from the opportunity to navigate complex legal landscapes while driving organizational success.

Your connection with Sony Group spans a significant period. Could you elaborate on your journey with the company and what keeps you strongly tied to it?

My journey with Sony Group has been both enriching and dynamic, spanning several pivotal projects that have left a lasting impression on me. One of such projects was the launch of AIBO, Sony's groundbreaking entertainment robot, in 1999. I was involved in that project as the only staff member in charge of legal and intellectual property matters. T his v enture i nto u ncharted t erritory marked a defining moment, as we ventured into an industry with no established market, pioneering a new segment and cultivating its growth.

Similarly, my involvement in the establishment of Sony Ericsson through a major joint venture with Ericsson in 2001 stands out as a testament to Sony's global reach and collaborative spirit. Coordinating transactions across 48 countries and closing of the transactions within a single day was a daunting yet exhilarating challenge, leading to a decade of successful business operations.

What truly sets Sony apart, however, is its unique approach to legal’s involvement. In each corporate project, I am as an in-house legal professional not merely act as an advisor but an integral part of negotiations, empowered to make decisions and shape deals alongside business counterparts. This collaborative synergy and trust placed in legal expertise showcases Sony's dedication to innovation and excellence, keeping me strongly tied to the company's vision and values.

Could you describe your leadership style and the size and nature of your team?

My leadership style is rooted in proactivity and a commitment to fostering a culture of compliance excellence. As the head of legal and compliance at Sony Financial Group, I have established a robust code of conduct comprising nine key articles that guide my team's behavior and actions. These articles emphasize the importance of clarity, correctness, and professionalism in all our endeavors, reflecting our values and standards. I empower my team to embody these principles, providing guidance and support as they navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

As an industry leader, how do you leverage latest technologies in your role as the head of legal and compliance?

We actively leverage the latest technologies, including generative AI devices and other LegalTech systems, to streamline our processes and empower our staff members. Currently, we employ around five or six systems within our company, continually assessing their appropriateness and exploring opportunities for improvement. LegalTech is a cornerstone of our operations, and we constantly evaluate new tools and systems to ensure we stay at the forefront of innovation.

However, I also acknowledge the challenges that emerging technologies pose for young professionals entering the field. While AI may excel in certain tasks, I encourage young staff members to focus on developing their own skills and expertise, because it is going to help them in the long run.

How do you stay updated on evolving compliance trends to guide your organization's future direction?

Despite the hurdles posed by regulations (especially in financial industry), I firmly believe there is a pathway to achieving our goals. Our team diligently navigates through these regulations, constantly seeking optimal solutions to current challenges. We closely monitor government initiatives aimed at deregulation, recognizing opportunities that arise from changes in legislation. By staying abreast of evolving compliance trends, we advise our management on strategic moves, seizing opportunities presented by regulatory changes. Whether it is advising on entering new markets or pursuing strategic partnerships, our proactive approach ensures we leverage regulatory developments to our advantage.

Hiroyuki Urase, General Manager & Head of Legal & Compliance, Sony Financial Group

Hiroyuki Urase is an experienced legal professional with a Bachelor of Laws degree from Hitotsubashi University. Currently serving as the General Manager and Head of Legal and Compliance Department at Sony Financial Group, he has a proven track record in legal and compliance leadership roles within Sony Group, spanning over 34 years.

Favorite Hobbies: Sailing (belonging to Ever Green Yacht Club in Enoshima, Shonan)

Favorite Cuisine: Sashimi and Sushi

Favorite Book: 'The Selfish Gene', authored by Richard Dawkins

Favorite Travel Destination: Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East (I like visiting the ruins of ancient civilizations in these regions)