The Prudential Life Insurance Company, and its parent, Prudential Financial, announced a voluntary 90-day suspension of new sales at Prudential of Japan, effective Feb. 9, 2026.
The pause in sales is tied to a broad internal reset. Prudential of Japan plans to implement operational, organisational, and governance changes following previously disclosed employee misconduct.
The company said the suspension gives management space to execute reforms and focus on repairing relationships with affected customers. An independent reimbursement program will be established to compensate those impacted.
- Prudential of Japan implementing action plan to address employee misconduct issues
- Establishing independent program to reimburse impacted customers
- Support for existing POJ customers and servicing of in-force policies is not impacted
Hiromitsu Tokumaru, president and chief executive officer of Prudential of Japan, said the decision reflects the seriousness of the situation. He apologised to customers and stakeholders and described the suspension as a necessary step toward restoring confidence and fixing structural weaknesses inside the organisation.
In January, Prudential of Japan disclosed the results of an internal investigation into misconduct by certain employees. Findings included inappropriate investment solicitations.
The company outlined corrective actions at the time, including customer reimbursement, changes to employee incentive compensation, and tighter oversight of sales practices, governance, and risk management. Additional measures include revised training, education, and recruitment standards.
Leadership changes followed. Kan Mabara stepped down as president and CEO of Prudential of Japan on Feb. 1, 2026, and will not remain in an advisory role.
Tokumaru succeeded him after previously serving as president and CEO of Prudential Gibraltar Financial Life. He brings more than 20 years of industry experience and had no prior involvement in Prudential of Japan’s management.
- Brad Hearn, president and chief executive officer of Prudential Holdings of Japan, said the conduct uncovered during the investigation fell short of company standards. He said Prudential of Japan is taking focused action to prevent recurrence, reimburse customers, and rebuild trust, which he described as foundational to the business.
- Andy Sullivan, chief executive officer of Prudential Financial, said the group views the issue as a serious breach of expectations. He said the company is moving quickly to address compliance, operational, and governance shortcomings identified by the investigation. Restoring customer trust in Japan remains a priority, he said, noting Prudential’s nearly four-decade presence in the market.
Prudential Financial operates across the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. As of Dec. 31, 2025, the group managed about $1.6 tn in assets.
The company positions its insurance, investment, and retirement offerings as central to expanding access to financial security across markets.
