CEO Insights Magazine

In the realm of corporate triumphs, the role of adept leadership stands as an irrefutable cornerstone. Country Managers, in particular, wield a profound influence in steering companies towards success, navigating through turbulent waters with finesse and strategic acumen. With over 25 years of illustrious experience spanning diverse sectors, including insurance, banking, and investment solutions Hitoshi Tsuji emerges as a beacon of excellence in the realm of sales. He is a seasoned professional and currently the esteemed Country Manager at Moneythor. Renowned for his visionary leadership and unparalleled sales prowess, Hitoshi Tsuji has orchestrated multi-million-dollar deals with esteemed financial institutions, leveraging his innate knack for strategic planning and execution. As we delve into Hitoshi Tsuji's illustrious career trajectory, we unravel the narrative of a true industry luminary, whose unwavering dedication and unparalleled expertise continue to shape the future of financial innovation. Let’s hear from him.

You've accumulated more than twenty-five years of experience. Could you share the journey to your success and reveal your mantra for achieving it?

In my work, I prioritize three key elements: 'Thinking positively’, 'Simplifying everything’, and 'Passing the ball to counterparts ASAP’. Reflecting on my journey, 'Thinking positively' has been crucial. Despite facing challenging situations early in my career, I've leveraged them as opportunities for growth, strengthening my resilience to stress while also embracing stress-relieving hobbies. 'Simplifying everything' has been ingrained in my approach since the beginning. Learning to distill complex matters into a few key factors has not only enhanced my understanding but also improved communication with colleagues. This principle extends beyond business to everyday life, aiding in problem-solving and decision-making. Furthermore, 'Passing the ball to counterparts ASAP' underscores the importance of collaboration. Recognizing that progress hinges on effective communication, I prioritize delegating tasks promptly to ensure smooth workflow and project advancement. These principles, alongside unwavering determination, have guided my career, and I eagerly anticipate future opportunities for growth and success.

What would be your definition of Moneythor as an organization, and where does it currently stand within the market?

Established in 2013 by banking technology veterans, Moneythor addresses the disparity between outdated banking experiences and the personalized digital services emerging in other industries. It offers an all-in-one personalization engine for financial services, providing actionable data-driven insights, recommendations, and nudges throughout the customer journey. These include money management nudges, budgets, savings goals, predictive forecasts, financial literacy material, relevant offers, referral campaigns, gamification, and loyalty programs. The solution, delivered as easy-to-implement software platform through APIs, empowers banks and fintech firms to enhance functionality and customer experience in their digital banking services. Moneythor drives tangible business outcomes like improved loyalty and NPS, lower cost to serve customers, and increased revenue from relevant campaigns. It's adopted globally by major banks such as ANZ, NAB, CIMB, DBS, and Standard Chartered, as well as digital banks like Trust Bank, Orange Bank, and Booster.

Describe your leadership style and the principles or strategies you adhere to as a leader.

My leadership approach draws inspiration from a renowned Japanese saying attributed to Isoroku Yamamoto, marshal of the former Imperial Japanese Navy. According to this philosophy, managers should lead by example, demonstrating tasks firsthand, providing guidance on how they should be executed, and then empowering team members to take ownership. Recognition and encouragement are key elements in fostering proactive engagement within the team. Additionally, effective leadership involves open communication and collaboration. Managers should actively listen to their team, engage in discussions, approve ideas, and delegate responsibilities, thereby facilitating the team's growth and development. Lastly, a fundamental aspect of my approach is to cultivate appreciation and trust in the team's abilities, allowing them the autonomy to excel in their roles and evolve into effective managers themselves.

What methods do you employ to stay current with industry trends, ensuring that your organization remains on course for the future?

I engage in a variety of activities to stay informed and guide my focus on digital transformation (DX) within banking. Firstly, I meticulously examine existing banking applications, seeking out features and functionalities that enhance users' digital experiences. Additionally, I actively interact with both digital and traditional banking personnel, understanding the needs and perspectives of different age groups to ensure our solutions cater to diverse user bases.

Recognizing the paramount importance of end-user perception in the digital era, I prioritize educating users about the benefits of digital channels for banking. This includes empowering traditional branch staff with insights into how digital platforms can streamline their daily operations. Moreover, I challenge the misconception that digital banking apps are inherently challenging for elderly individuals, observing that many are proficient in smartphone use for social communication. By facilitating familiarity with digital technology across age groups, we promote smoother adoption of digital banking channels, fostering a more inclusive and efficient banking experience.

Where do you envision yourself heading in the future?

In essence, the future remains uncertain, and only time will unveil its course. For the foreseeable horizon, my commitment lies with my current role at Moneythor, where I perceive abundant business prospects and opportunities for personal growth. However, my overarching aspiration centers on giving back to my homeland, Japan, where I spent my formative years. I'm open to leveraging my professional expertise to make a positive impact in any capacity possible. Furthermore, hailing from a rural area grappling with an aging population, I contemplate addressing the issue of aging hunters. With the average age of hunters surpassing 60 and their numbers dwindling amid escalating incidents of animal-related damage, there's a pressing need for intervention. Though my plans aren't set in stone, I feel a profound sense of duty to contribute meaningfully to the community that nurtured me over the long term.

Hitoshi Tsuji, Country Manager, Moneythor

Hitoshi Tsuji is the Japan Country Manager at Moneythor since April 2022, pioneering business development and marketing strategies for Japan and Korea markets. With a rich background spanning Calypso Technology, IHS Markit, BLACKROCK Japan, MSCI, Citigroup Securities, and Citibank, Hitoshi Tsuji excels in driving growth and forging strategic alliances across diverse industries.