Nana Otsuki Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Nana Otsuki, who slips from second place to third, “generates unbiased, meaningful advice, and researches macroeconomic and microeconomic conditions along with company fundamentals,” says one admirer. Otsuki joined Bank of America Merrill Lynch in June from UBS; she currently covers five banks and plans to add two more. The analyst is bullish on the sector in the near term but warns that in the latter half of the year global market uncertainty could adversely affect the category. Her top picks include two Tokyo-based institutions, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, largely on the strength of their “potential overseas asset growth.” She reminds clients to invest in these firms for the long term, “as this strong market may not last.” 
— Leslie Kramer

RUNNER(S)-UP
- Akira Takai Daiwa Securities Group
- Ken Takamiya Nomura Securities Co.