Nomura Tightens Risk Control at Laser Digital but Still Committed to Crypto

Nomura Holdings affirms its long-term commitment to crypto while tightening position limits and risk controls at its digital asset unit Laser Digital to reduce short-term profit volatility.

This move comes after Laser Digital reported losses in the third fiscal quarter, contributing to a 9.7% decrease in Nomura’s profits. The primary cause was the “flash crash” in October, when over $19 billion in leveraged crypto positions were wiped out just days after Bitcoin hit a new all-time high.

Nomura stated that risk management measures at Laser Digital functioned as designed during the volatile market period. The bank emphasized that the weak financial results in the recent quarter reflect the inherent volatility of the digital asset market, rather than indicating any fundamental weaknesses or a decline in confidence in the sector.

According to Nomura, digital asset operations are inherently volatile, so adjusting position limits to smooth quarterly profits is a necessary step, alongside its medium- and long-term growth strategy. The bank said it will continue seeking opportunities to expand in the crypto market while strengthening Laser Digital’s services and client base.

Laser Digital operates under corporate governance standards typical of traditional financial institutions. Nomura highlighted that this unit has reduced early exposure, effectively controlled losses, and avoided more severe impacts that many other companies in the industry faced during the recent turbulent period.