News & Events

Makiko Harunari, Head of the Firm’s Asia Banking and Credit Practice, and Fund Finance Of Counsel Mary Touchstone have been recognized by the Fund Finance Association (FFA) as part of its 2025 Industry Awards.

Makiko was recognized with the Annual Contribution to the Industry Award, which honors individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty during the prior year and demonstrated outstanding overall contribution to the fund finance industry, their firms and clients. She currently serves as Co-Deputy Chair of the FFA’s Asia Pacific Executive Committee, and she previously served as Co-Chair of the Asia-Pacific Committee of Women in Fund Finance in 2018 and 2019. Over the past year, Makiko played an instrumental role in developing the FFA’s first-ever conference in Japan. Held in Tokyo in April, “FFA: Japan” is the first non-English event hosted by the Fund Finance Association and conducted fully in Japanese, featuring a dozen speakers from across the fund finance space, including prominent figures from local and international law firms, financial services and leading fund sponsors. Makiko is also helping to guide preparations for this year's iteration of “FFA: Japan,” which is scheduled to take place in May, 2025.

Mary was honored with the Julian Black Lifetime Contribution to the Industry Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate dedication to selfless service of the fund finance industry. Mary was recognized for her accomplishments as the former Head of Simpson Thacher’s Fund Finance Practice as well as for her pioneering work in the space, which has included representing many of the world’s preeminent fund sponsors in connection with billions of dollars in financings. Mary was also recognized for her advocacy on behalf of women in the fund finance space and in the legal profession more broadly. 

For more information about the Fund Finance Association, please click here.