Nomura Holdings Inc., Japan’s largest investment banking group, is launching a new subsidiary focused on institutional client services for bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, according to a report from the Financial Times.
Sources close to Nomura explained to FT that the staff of the wholly-owned subsidiary will reach 100 people by the end of 2023 and compile multiple cryptocurrency services under one roof. The staff will reportedly be largely recruited from outside, however Nomura executives will still oversee the company.
One of Nomura’s executives reportedly stated, “If we don’t do this, then it’s going to be more difficult down the line to be competitive.”
The executive continued to explain that while there is risk involved in offering cryptocurrency-based services, the opportunity cost of failing to offer these services is simply too high.
“Any asset class at the moment that has discounted cash flow is all under huge stress in an inflationary environment. But I think…many managers will be looking and thinking about potentially allocating towards blockchain technology and blockchain opportunities,” the executive added.
Initially, Nomua will transfer 15 employees to the new cryptocurrency-focused subsidiary which will see Jez Mohideen, Nomura’s current chief digital officer, at the helm of its new wholesale business. As of now, Nomura’s new business is yet unnamed.
Last week, Nomura made headlines as it began trading bitcoin derivatives with non-deliverable, cash-settled options and a mix of other futures with standard options. The institutional interest Nomura is witnessing happens as the Bitcoin price has endured a sizable correction, erasing all gains made in 2021.