Nomura Cuts Crypto Holdings Amid Q3 Losses
- Nomura reduces cryptocurrency positions through Laser Digital after Q3 losses.
- Hiroyuki Moriuchi confirms commitment to digital asset business.
- Plans to expand digital asset operations remain active.
Nomura Holdings, Japan’s largest wealth manager, scaled down cryptocurrency positions through its European subsidiary following a loss in Q3 fiscal 2025, as CEO Hiroyuki Moriuchi reported.
The move highlights the challenges faced by financial institutions in managing digital assets amid market volatility, impacting broader market sentiment and investor confidence.
Nomura Holdings, Japan’s leading wealth manager, has reduced its cryptocurrency holdings amid posting significant Q3 losses. The reductions were handled through its European subsidiary, Laser Digital, following a ¥10.6 billion loss in these operations.
The company’s CFO, Hiroyuki Moriuchi, stated, “We have tightened our management of positions, as well as risk exposure [to curb short-term volatility in profit].” Yet, he affirmed that Nomura’s commitment to digital assets remains firm, with planned expansions.
Impact on Cryptocurrency Market
These adjustments have seen immediate impacts on the cryptocurrency market, with reduced trading positions influencing market dynamics. Bitcoin BTC -0.89% and Ethereum ETH -4.56% have shown declines following such institutional actions. Financial implications are notable, with Nomura reporting a 9.7% drop in net income. Despite these cuts, the firm announced a ¥60 billion share buyback, indicating confidence in its core business operations.
Strategic Moves and Regulatory Pursuits
Regulatory pursuits continue as Laser Digital applies for US trust bank charter, designed to widen its custodial and market offerings. Previous achievements include obtaining a Dubai derivatives license and launching tokenized investment products. The move suggests potential shifts in financial strategy, aligning with broader institutional interest in crypto. Nomura’s actions reflect ongoing adaptation in a volatile market, evidenced by past institutional adjustments in similar scenarios.
