Yukio Yanase joined the Saitama Bank (which became Asahi Bank in 1991 and is now Resona Bank) in April 1968 and held a number of positions within the Asahi Bank covering such areas as human resources, international business activities, risk management, corporate planning and corporate communications and investor relations activities, before becoming President of the bank in October 2001.

Yanase joined ORIX in November 2003 as an Advisor and became the Corporate Executive Vice President in charge of the Office of the President in February 2004. He was also appointed the Executive Officer responsible for overseas activities in May 2004 in addition to his responsibilities for the Office of the President. In February 2005, Yanase was appointed Deputy President and added the Alternative Investment & Development Headquarters to his duties and in June 2005 he was also made a Director. In June 2007, Yanase was also added the Investment Banking Headquarters to his duties. Yanase became the Representative Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2008. In June 2009, he was appointed a Director to TDK Corporation.

Yanase was born in 1944.