MFG Mizuho Financial Group Inc

Mizuho Americas today announced that Jay Lupo, John Heffers, Jonathan Knepper, Barry Connolly, and Dan Rothschild have joined its High-Yield sales and trading team. The hires represent an expanding commitment in Mizuho’s capital markets capabilities, specifically in the leveraged finance domain.

Team co-heads Lupo and Heffers, along with Knepper and Connolly, join Mizuho having worked together for nearly 15 years.  Rothschild is new to working with Lupo and Heffers and brings 18 years of experience in high-yield sales at several leading sell-side firms.

"This group elevates Mizuho's High Yield platform to a new level and positions us to serve key investors with a wider range of products and content," said Thomas Hartnett, Head of Fixed Income Sales and Trading.  "These individuals bring a long-standing reputation as experts in their field and strong client relationships that will enhance Mizuho's capability in this important market segment."

The team will also complement Mizuho’s Leveraged Capital Markets (LCM) group led by Richard R.S. Smith, Head of Leveraged Capital Markets to the Americas. That group oversees the origination of all non-investment grade debt products including high yield bonds, institutional term loans and pro rata bank facilities.

“With the addition of these outstanding professionals, we immediately accelerate our standing with current and prospective clients,” said Smith. “Our status in the non-investment grade arena increases significantly and presents a compelling value proposition.”

About Mizuho AmericasMizuho Americas is a leading financial institution comprising several legal entities, which together offer clients corporate and investment banking, financing, securities, treasury services, asset management, research and more. With professionals in offices throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Chile, Mizuho’s operations in the Americas connect a broad client base of major corporations, financial institutions and public sector groups to local markets and a vast global network. Learn more at mizuhoamericas.com.

Mizuho Americas is an integral part of the Japan-based Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:MFG). Mizuho Financial Group is one of the largest financial institutions in the world, offering comprehensive financial and strategic services including private banking and venture capital through its subsidiaries. The group has over 900 offices and 60,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and Asia. As of December 31, 2017, its total assets were $1.8 trillion. Learn more about Mizuho Financial Group at www.mizuho-fg.com.

For inquiries, please contact:Jim GormanDirector, Media Relations, Mizuho Americas+1-212-282-3867jim.gorman@mizuhocbus.com

P.J. KinsellaParagon Public Relations+1-646-558-6226pj@paragonpr.com