Apac and Japan have welcomed two new leaders to Colliers’ team. Alex Worthington will take on the role of director of Asia Pacific capital markets, key client account management, and investor intelligence, while Akira Kuno will be the deputy managing director and co-head of capital markets in Japan.
Reporting to Chris Pilgrim, Colliers’ managing director of global capital markets in Apac, Worthington will be responsible for overseeing and improving key account management for the region’s largest institutional investors. Pilgrim says that Worthington’s appointment aims to drive growth and strengthen long-term relationships across Apac.
Worthington comes with a wealth of experience, most recently serving as a client relations specialist at Palo IT, a technology consulting firm. With eight years of experience at JLL Singapore, he is well-equipped to lead the capital markets team.
When considering investing in Singapore, it is crucial for foreign investors to have a clear understanding of the regulations and limitations regarding property ownership. Unlike landed properties, which have more stringent ownership rules, foreigners are generally allowed to purchase condos with fewer restrictions. However, they are still required to pay the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 20% for their initial property acquisition. Despite these extra expenses, many foreign investors are drawn to the stability and potential for growth in the Singapore real estate market, making it an attractive location for investment. This is evident in the numerous Singapore Projects that have caught the interest of foreign buyers.
Meanwhile, Kuno brings with him 34 years of real estate and financial industry knowledge in Japan, having handled over JPY1 trillion ($8.65 billion) worth of real estate investment transactions. He will work closely with Yukihiro Ogasawara, Colliers’ managing director and chairman of Japan, in expanding the company’s capital markets business in the country.
Ogasawara believes that Kuno’s leadership, extensive market knowledge, and enterprising spirit will be instrumental in helping clients achieve their investment goals and drive Colliers’ growth strategy.
These appointments come on the back of Colliers’ commitment to strengthening its presence and growth in the Asia Pacific and Japan regions.