Nomura said it has scaled back cryptocurrency exposure and tightened risk controls after losses at its European digital asset unit weighed on quarterly results.
The pullback followed losses at Laser Digital Holdings between October and December 2025, which contributed to a larger-than-expected drop in group net income, according to comments made during an earnings call.
Chief financial officer Hiroyuki Moriuchi said the firm reduced virtual currency positions to limit short-term volatility, adding that the losses were driven by market swings in digital assets.
Despite the cutback, Moriuchi said Nomura remains committed to crypto over the medium to long term and plans to continue expanding its digital asset business.
Laser Digital, launched in 2022 and based in Zurich, provides trading, asset management, market making and venture investment services to institutional clients.
The move comes even as Laser Digital recently applied to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for a national trust bank charter to offer crypto custody, trading and staking services in the US.
Nomura also announced a ¥60 billion share buyback, signalling confidence in its core business despite ongoing volatility in digital assets, as reported by Bloomberg.