Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Shifts Focus to Structured Credit Deals in Singapore

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. has accelerated a shift to more complex financing deals at its Singapore offices, Japan Times reported on July 21, 2026. The moves are led by Asia-Pacific deputy head Carsten Stoehr, who joined the unit of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group more than two years earlier.

Stoehr has directed recently hired investment bankers to steer dozens of employees toward structured credit transactions. The effort aims to raise profitability by reducing reliance on interest income from investment-grade loans held on the balance sheet. Since Stoehr’s arrival the bank’s culture and risk appetite have changed, Japan Times reported.

SMBC now sells those loans more quickly and focuses on fee-based revenue that ties up less capital. Stoehr previously worked at Credit Suisse. The changes at the Singapore unit reflect a broader strategic pivot among Japan’s largest banks toward higher-yielding products.