Marshall Wace is preparing to establish a Tokyo office next year, adding the $90bn UK asset manager to a growing list of global hedge funds expanding their footprint in Japan, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The London-based firm is expected to start with a small team of investment professionals in Tokyo, according to people familiar with the plans. Subject to regulatory approval, the office could begin operations in the second half of 2027.

Marshall Wace reportedly declined to comment.

Japan has been an important market for the firm for many years. Marshall Wace established its Hong Kong operation in 2006 and has continued to run Japan-focused investment strategies from the region.

More than 100 of its approximately 750 employees were based in Asia as of late October 2025, working across regional and global strategies. Its Japan investment team, including partner Daisuke Iwasaki, is currently based in Hong Kong. The firm also has offices in Shanghai and Singapore.

Moving some of that investment capability directly into Tokyo would give Marshall Wace a more substantial on-the-ground presence in a market that has become increasingly attractive to international hedge funds.