Japan Nominates Masato Kanda for ADB Head

Japan has put forth Masato Kanda, its former top currency diplomat, as its candidate to lead the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The ADB, founded in 1966, has traditionally been headed by a Japanese individual, positioning Kanda as a strong contender for the role.

Japan has nominated Masato Kanda, its former top currency diplomat, as its candidate to head the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki announced on Tuesday.

Since its inception in 1966, the ADB's top position has always been held by someone from Japan. Given Japan, along with the United States, is the bank's largest shareholder, Kanda is seen as a prominent candidate for the role.