Japanese Banking Giant Nomura Reduces Crypto Positions After Losses

Nomura trims crypto risk after Q3 losses but continues long-term digital asset plans through regulated U.S. expansion.

Japanese financial group Nomura has cut back its crypto exposure following losses at its digital asset unit. Despite near-term setbacks, Nomura continues to advance its global crypto ambitions through its digital arm. Recent moves in the United States show a dual approach of caution and expansion.

Nomura Pulls Back on Digital Asset Trading After Q3 Setback

Nomura confirmed it has reduced its cryptocurrency positions after recording losses at Laser Digital, its Europe-based crypto subsidiary. Hiroyuki Moriuchi, chief financial officer at Nomura, made the comments in remarks reported by Bloomberg Japan. Laser Digital oversees the group’s crypto trading activities and forms a key part of its digital asset strategy.

Moriuchi said risk reduction was necessary following the third-quarter results. However, no exact figures tied to crypto trading losses were disclosed. Still, Nomura said its long-term interest in digital assets remains intact, with further expansion expected.

Notably, Japanese firms have continued to back Bitcoin and blockchain projects through past market slumps, even as prices fell. Still, the latest downturn has forced a more careful stance. Nomura’s decision suggests that even firms with a positive view of crypto are adjusting exposure during periods of stress.

During the third quarter, the company reported a 10.6 billion yen loss from its European operations, covering both crypto and traditional businesses. Overseas units still posted a profit of 16.3 billion yen. Even so, that figure fell by about 70% compared with the same period last year.

Net income for the quarter reached 91.6 billion yen, or about $590 million, down 9.7% from the prior year’s third quarter. Part of the decline came from a $1.8 billion acquisition of Macquarie Group’s U.S. and European public asset management business. Additional pressure came from expenses linked to a stock buyback program.

Alongside earnings, Nomura announced plans to cancel a portion of its shares. A total of 75 million common shares, equal to about 2.4% of issued stock, will be canceled on March 2, 2026. Under company policy, retained treasury shares are capped at roughly 5% of total shares in circulation.

Laser Digital Files for U.S. National Trust Bank Charter

Laser Digital is trimming risk as it pushes deeper into the U.S. market. Earlier this week, the firm filed an application to operate as a federally chartered national trust bank. Filing took place on January 27, 2026, with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Approval will allow operations to run nationwide without separate state approvals. Services would exclude retail deposits and focus solely on institutional clients.

Offerings would cover crypto custody, spot trading, and staking for approved assets. Laser Digital also intends to support custody of U.S. government securities, allowing clients to manage digital and traditional assets within one structure.

Steve Ashley, chairman and co-founder of Laser Digital, said large institutions are now taking a more structured and regulated approach to crypto. He added that pursuing a U.S. trust bank license fits Laser Digital’s long-term plan to serve institutional clients globally.

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