The People
Fred Uruma Chairman & CEO
Uruma began his career at KPMG Peat Marwick in Los Angeles in M&A and real estate consulting. He then established MTM Consulting to focus on cross-border real estate consulting services for Japanese and U.S. clients. Uruma joined Secured Capital Corporation in 1997 and founded Secured Capital Japan (listed on the TSE First Section), serving as its first President and CEO. Uruma founded Touchstone Investment Management in 2002 and became the President and CEO of Touchstone Capital Securities in 2005. Uruma has been involved in real estate transactions totaling over US$10 billion throughout his career. Uruma holds degrees in Finance and Accounting from Loma Linda University (California).
“Touchstone Capital has assembled a team of top-caliber professionals from a broad range of related fields, backed by superior information sourcing, a depth of experience in asset management and a peerless ability within the Japanese market to identify, communicate and manage opportunities in Japan for our select overseas investors.”
Uruma has also been appointed Chairman of the Securitization and Alternative Business Council of the Japan Securities Dealers Association for a second consecutive term. He is also a member of ULI, a frequent speaker at international conferences and a guest lecturer at universities.
Hiroshi Okamoto President & Representative Director / Head of Investment Banking / Certified Public Accountant (U.S.) (Inactive)
Okamoto began his career at KPMG Peat Marwick in Los Angeles in auditing and real estate consulting. Okamoto then worked in the M&A Group at the Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan (currently, Shinsei Bank) in Tokyo. Okamoto subsequently worked as a venture capitalist with H&Q Asia Pacific and the Internet Capital Group, and as an entrepreneur in IT and mobile telephony. Okamoto has a degree in Economics from UCLA and an MBA from Harvard University.
“Our information sourcing and market analysis capabilities keep us one step ahead of competitors, giving our clients first access to opportunities and heightening our ability to deliver opportunities that match specific client criteria.”
Tetsushi Ichikawa Managing Director / Real Estate Appraiser, Real Estate Broker, Certified Security Analyst
Ichikawa began his career at Mitsui Trust and Banking Co., Ltd. (currently, Chuo Mitsui Trust & Banking Co., Ltd.) in 1990 and was assigned to the real estate development division where he was responsible for commercial facility and office building developments. In 2001, he became the General Manager of the Asset-Backed Finance Division where he was responsible for non-recourse loans and analyzed over 1,000 real estate financing projects. He subsequently headed the equity investment group. He joined Touchstone in 2005. Ichikawa graduated from Keio University with a degree in economics.
Asako Igarashi Head of Internal Auditors
Igarashi began her career in the securities brokerage business at the Tokyo Branch of Morgan Stanley in 1986. Igarashi then joined First Boston (currently, Credit Suisse) as Deputy Head of Operations and later served in the Legal and Compliance Department. In 1999, Igarashi joined Barclays Capital Securities as Head of the Tokyo Office Compliance Department. In 2000, Igarashi became Head of the Compliance Department of Witt Capital Securities. In 2001, Igarashi joined Société Générale and became Compliance Officer at the SG Online Branch. Igarashi joined Touchstone in 2006, initially serving as its Statutory Auditor and later becoming its Head of Internal Auditors. Igarashi graduated from Tsuda College with a degree in International and Cultural Studies.
“As markets and the legal environments in which they function evolve ever more rapidly, our robust yet adaptable compliance system gives us an edge in ensuring not only the financial feasibility of our endeavors but also the confidentiality of our clients’ interests.”
Yasushi Mannen Director / Head of Administration Department
Mannen began his career at Mitsui Trust and Banking Co., Ltd. (currently Chuo Mitsui Trust & Banking Co., Ltd.) in 1982, where he was active in overseas financial businesses. He was stationed in Beijing, Belgium and Hong Kong at various times during his tenure. In 2000, he joined GE Edison Life Insurance (currently, AIG Edison Life Insurance) where he was in charge of operation analysis and in 2001, became the Finance Head of GE Asset Management Co., Ltd. Subsequently, he worked at Japan ERI and Rakuten KC, where he was the head of the Administration Department. He joined Touchstone in 2009. Mannen graduated Keio University with a degree in economics.
Hideki Iwakami Statutory Auditor
Iwakami began his career at the Mitsui Trust and Banking Co., Ltd. (currently, Chuo Mitsui Trust & Banking Co., Ltd.) in 1975, eventually becoming Branch Manager for Hong Kong as well as the President of the Hong Kong corporation in 1997. In 1999, Iwakami was appointed President and CEO of Mitsui Trust (U.S.). In 2002, Iwakami joined Secured Capital Japan as its Head of Administration and CFO, and successfully took the company public in 2004. Iwakami joined Touchstone in 2006, assuming his present post in January 2010 after serving as the company's CFO. Iwakami holds a B.A. in Business from Hitotsubashi University and an MBA from Dartmouth College.
“Touchstone is unique in its financial position, carrying no real estate investments or debts such as bank loans, bonds and preferred shares on its books.”
