French bank Natixis will make Japan a key Asia-Pacific market as it expands from securities services into corporate lending under its new banking license, Nikkei reported Friday, citing CEO Mohamed Kallala.

The bank aims to double Japan operating income to $200 million and raise staff to 140 by 2030. It plans to ramp up project finance in data centers and energy, drawing on experience in Europe and the US, according to the report.

Natixis will widen lending to sectors such as airlines and begin offering commercial deposits, while exploring partnerships with Japanese mega banks for large deals. Kallala said France's recent rating downgrade poses little concern, the report said.

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