Nomura Reduces Crypto Risk Exposure After Q3 Losses at Laser Digital as the company responds to fresh swings in the crypto market. Company leaders said Nomura scaled back its cryptocurrency risk after taking losses in the third quarter. The update mainly affects Laser Digital, the group’s Europe-based digital asset arm, and signals a stronger focus on controlling short-term volatility.
Nomura oversees about ¥153 trillion in client assets and holds close to 15% of Japan’s wealth management market. Although the firm has remained active in the digital asset space, it acknowledged that recent market turbulence pushed it to tighten risk limits on crypto-related positions.
Nomura Crypto Risk Reduction centers on Laser Digital
The adjustments focus on Laser Digital, Nomura’s crypto trading unit launched in Switzerland in September 2022. The subsidiary handles a major share of Nomura’s cryptocurrency trading activity and remains a key part of its broader digital asset roadmap.
Nomura CFO Hiroyuki Moriuchi said the company has strengthened its approach to position control and overall exposure management. The objective is to reduce sharp profit swings that can occur when prices move quickly. He noted that the tighter controls followed third-quarter losses, but he did not provide exact figures. He also emphasized that the move should not be seen as Nomura stepping away from crypto.
Long-term digital asset strategy remains unchanged
Even with near-term cutbacks, Nomura says its long-range plans in digital assets remain intact. Moriuchi explained that the company still intends to expand its crypto-related business over the medium to long term, while keeping risk tighter in the short run.
More broadly, Japanese financial firms continue testing crypto products and services despite frequent price fluctuations. Nomura’s decision highlights a common institutional approach: stay engaged in the sector, but reduce exposure when volatility rises.
U.S. growth plans continue alongside tighter risk controls
The risk reduction follows Laser Digital’s application for a national trust bank charter in the United States. If approved, the charter could allow the firm to operate nationwide and offer services such as crypto custody and spot trading for businesses and individual clients.
Nomura launched Laser Digital to focus on crypto trading and venture-related activity tied to digital assets. Company representatives previously indicated they expected the unit to reach profitability by 2024. Nomura has also signaled interest in crypto-focused investment offerings for Japanese investors, alongside other major domestic wealth managers.
