Nomura Unveils Plans to Establish Digital Asset Business
Posted by Colin Lambert. Last updated: May 17, 2022
Nomura Holdings has announced the creation of a new digital asset company that it says will offer institutional clients a comprehensive suite of trading, investor products and investment services.
Due to launch later this year, the new business will provide institutional clients and investors with products and services linked to cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, decentralised finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and other tokens.
Steve Ashley, head of Nomura’s wholesale division, will chair the new business and says, “This is a major step forward as we look to scale-up our digital asset related businesses and investments. The new company will enable us to build an edge in providing institutional clients with access to a wide range of new products and services and contribute meaningfully towards responsible innovation in the digital asset ecosystem.”
The new company will operate as a wholly owned segregated entity of Nimura Holdings International, with dedicated capital and resources to accelerate time-to-market and ensure the pace of innovation required in the digital asset ecosystem. Specialist staff from Nomura will be integrated into the new company in addition to external hires, the firm says.
Nomura established a digital company in April this year, following a reorganisation of its Future Innovation Company, with one strategic intention of building Nomura’s presence in the digital asset space.
“Staying at the forefront of digital innovation is a key priority for Nomura,” says Hajime Ikeda, head of digital company. “Digital assets and the ecosystem around them represent a generational shift in how financial assets can be created and used.”
Jez Mohideen, who has been named as the unit’s newly appointed CEO, adds, “Establishing this new company is a critical foundation for us and key to building an end-to-end digital asset offering. The company will have top talent and business agility along with access to Nomura’s global network to build a top tier institutional digital asset franchise.”
