Masaki Bessho is Deputy Director-General for Digital Currency in the Payment and Settlement Systems Department at the Bank of Japan. In this role, he oversees portfolios related to digital currencies and international affairs. Since joining the Bank in 1994, Mr. Bessho has built a distinguished career at the intersection of international finance, legal frameworks, and financial technology. Prior to his current appointment, he served as General Manager of the Kobe Branch, Head of the FinTech Center, and Head of the Financial Infrastructure Studies Division at the Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies. His international postings include serving as Deputy Chief Representative for Europe in London and working at the Frankfurt Representative Office. Mr. Bessho has contributed to numerous international forums on digital money, blockchain and fintech, including collaborative projects with the BIS. He holds an LL.B. from Kyoto University and an LL.M. from the University of Virginia School of Law.