History
1995
Ascendant Business Solutions KK is founded by Mark Ferris and starts as TM Consulting Ltd in Tokyo, Japan to assist in corporate setups, corporate secretarial services and Japan market entry support for foreign multi-nationals.
1997
TM Consulting Ltd. renames itself to Ferris & Associates, adding a full Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Suite which includes accounting, payroll and administrative services.
2000
The company becomes a portfolio company of Building2 LLC. Building2 is a Tokyo-based private equity firm investing in technology companies in Japan and the United States. The company is renamed Strata Works KK and moves to new offices in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.
2002-2003
One to One Japan KK, sister company of Strata Works KK, is founded. It specializes in digital marketing solutions utilizing innovative knowledge and technology, working in partnership with Building2.
2003
New compliance regimes (e.g. SOX) prompt Strata Works KK's development of a risk & compliance practice, predecessor to an overall consulting practice specializing in Financial Management, Human Capital Management and Risk and Compliance for foreign multi nationals in Japan.
2006
The management of Strata Works KK and One to One Japan KK conducts a management buyout of assets from Building 2.
2007
Strata Works and One to One Japan are combined and reorganized as Ascendant Business Solutions KK. New service lines are outsourcing, consulting and technology with specialties in Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Risk and Compliance and Marketing Solutions. The office is subsequently moved to a new office in Minami Azabu, Tokyo, Japan.
2008
Henry Tan, partner, is named representative director of Ascendant Business Solutions.
Ascendant Business Solutions forms Ascendant Tax Office to support clients on taxation matters in Japan.
2009
Ascendant opens an office in Hong Kong to meet growing demand from clients across Asia.
