Razin Ashraf , Managing Director, Divine Solutions Japan
The rise of influential Japanese business leaders has seen remarkable growth in recent years. In 2015, Japanese executives accounted for just 10% of Fortune Global 500 CEOs, but by 2023, this figure had climbed to 15%. This reflects Japan's success in nurturing visionary leaders who drive innovation and contribute significantly to economic progress. These trailblazers not only transform industries but also inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and emerging leaders.
The financial services sector is also undergoing significant change, driven by evolving trends that redefine service delivery. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and blockchain are at the forefront of this digital revolution, enhancing innovation and operational efficiency. Fintech disruptors challenge traditional financial institutions, while open banking fosters a more collaborative and personalized approach to services. Improved omnichannel experiences are now a priority, aiming to deliver seamless interactions and superior customer service.
However, these advancements also introduce complex challenges. Regulatory compliance remains a significant hurdle, requiring firms to stay updated with ever-changing rules and standards. Cybersecurity is another critical concern, necessitating robust defenses to protect sensitive information and prevent financial crimes. As technology evolves, firms must navigate both the opportunities and risks of digital transformation while safeguarding customer privacy and maintaining trust. Crafting Financial Futures with Personalized Excellence.
Razin Ashraf stands out as a transformative leader making a substantial impact on Japan's business environment. His strategic vision has addressed key industry challenges, including the difficulty of attracting younger talent. By showcasing the growth opportunities within Japan-focused operations, Ashraf has successfully highlighted the firm's unique value proposition. He also emphasizes the importance of diversification, exploring opportunities beyond the financial sector to drive sustainable growth. By recruiting skilled individuals and fostering a culture of innovation, Ashraf has positioned the firm for continued success. His journey is a testament to resilience and strategic foresight, offering inspiration to future leaders navigating the complexities of modern business.
In an interview with Corporate world, Razin Ashraf , Managing Director, Divine Solutions Japan speaks about his diversified experience and the key lessons he has learnt throughout his successful career.
Can you share a brief overview of your professional journey and what drives your daily motivation?
My professional journey began in Tokyo in 2007, where I launched my career with Hays Japan, a prominent British recruitment firm. Starting as a junior consultant fresh out of my studies in Australia, I quickly immersed myself in the dynamic world of financial services recruitment. At Hays, I specialized in the banking sector, gradually progressing to lead the Front Office division. Over time, I took on broader responsibilities, managing teams across banking, insurance, and financial technology, ultimately overseeing the entire Financial Services recruitment division.
After over eight enriching years at Hays, I felt ready to chart my own path. In 2016, I founded Divine Solutions Japan, driven by a vision to create a more tailored and impactful approach to recruitment. My daily motivation stems from a passion for connecting talent with opportunity, fostering growth for individuals and organizations alike, and continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the recruitment industry.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I lead with a balance of hands-on guidance and collaboration. Every team member's input matters, fostering a culture where ideas flow freely, and decisions are shared. Instead of top-down management, we focus on nurturing talent to build strong, client-focused consultants. Prioritizing cultural fit and understanding our clients’ needs deeply has earned us their trust. This allows us to connect candidates and companies seamlessly, often bypassing traditional processes—reflecting the credibility and relationships we've built.
What have been some of the toughest challenges in your journey, and what lessons have you learned from overcoming them?
One significant challenge has been attracting and retaining young talent. Many early-career professionals are drawn to larger, global firms, while our focus remains primarily on Japan. Although we attract seasoned consultants, our priority lies in nurturing junior talent. To address this, we’ve emphasized our unique value proposition: offering hands-on experience, rapid growth opportunities, and a close-knit, supportive environment.
Another hurdle has been expanding beyond the financial sector. While we’ve explored new industries, finding the right talent to lead these ventures has been complex. This experience taught us the importance of adaptability and innovative thinking—solutions often lie in reimagining traditional approaches and investing in people who share our vision for growth.
How would you describe Divine Solutions Japan and its current market position?
Divine Solutions Japan may be boutique in size, but we stand out as one of Tokyo’s top five financial services recruitment specialists. Our expertise lies primarily in Front Office roles, especially within investment banking and sell-side sectors like fixed income and equities. Additionally, we’ve built a solid reputation in buy-side recruitment, covering asset management, hedge funds, technology, risk management, corporate banking, and fintech.
We work closely with both domestic and international financial institutions, with a particular strength in global markets. Our focused approach and deep industry connections enable us to deliver tailored solutions, earning the trust of leading firms and candidates alike.
What is the future destination you envision for Divine Solutions Japan?
Looking ahead, I’m committed to staying deeply involved in the core aspects of our business—driving sales, overseeing recruitment, and nurturing talent. My vision includes expanding our leadership team by bringing on skilled managers to support our growth ambitions and exploring new industry sectors.
In the short to mid-term, we’re targeting significant milestones: growing our team to 20 consultants in Japan and establishing a London office with an additional 10 consultants within two years. Our goal is to create a cohesive culture across both locations, positioning ourselves as a respected international recruitment firm known for excellence and innovation.
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