Nomura Reduces Crypto Exposure: BTC Crash Effect

Japanese banking giant Nomura plans to reduce its cryptocurrency exposure due to tough market conditions and a decline in overseas profits in the third quarter. CFO Hiroyuki Moriuchi announced that they will reduce risk exposure in their Europe-based digital asset unit Laser Digital Holdings. According to Bloomberg Japan's Friday report, the unit incurred a loss in the quarter ending December 31. Nevertheless, Nomura maintains its long-term commitment to crypto and aims to expand its Switzerland-based unit.

Details of Nomura's Q3 Financial Losses

The third quarter dealt a major blow to Nomura's overseas operations. Crypto and European activities recorded a loss of 10.6 billion yen ($68.47 million). Overseas profits fell 70% to 16.3 billion yen ($105.29 million) year-over-year. Net profit dropped 9.7% to 91.6 billion yen ($590 million).

Category	Amount (Yen)	USD Equivalent	YoY Change
Overseas Profit	16.3 billion	105.29M	-70%
Crypto/Europe Loss	10.6 billion	68.47M	-
Net Profit	91.6 billion	590M	-9.7%

October BTC Crash and Nomura Timing

Q3 coincided with the crypto crash in October. BTC fell from its $126k peak on October 6 to $88k on December 31. Current data shows BTC at $78,562 (+1.14%), but it has fallen below MicroStrategy's cost basis ($76,037) for the first time since October 2023. It also dipped below $80k for the first time since April 2025.

Current BTC Technical Analysis: RSI and Trends

RSI at 28.91 is in oversold territory. The trend is downward, with Supertrend giving a bearish signal. EMA 20: $86,393. These levels support Nomura's risk reduction decision.

• Supports: S1 $74,604 (Strong, 74% score, -5.13% distance)
• S2 $77,489 (Medium, 55% score, -1.46% distance)
• Resistances: R1 $79,396 (Strong, 72% score, +0.96% distance)
• R2 $83,548 (Strong, 71% score, +6.24% distance)

Laser Digital's Risk Reduction Strategy

Laser Digital, Nomura's crypto arm, operates in Switzerland. Following the Q3 loss, exposure will be reduced, but medium- to long-term expansion plans continue. This reflects traditional banks' cautious approach to volatility.

Nomura Shares and Market Reaction

Nomura shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange lost 6.8% on Monday. BTC's fluctuations around the $78k band are unnerving institutional investors. Experts view Nomura's move as an industry trend.

Nomura's Long-Term BTC Vision

Despite this, Nomura believes in the crypto ecosystem. Laser Digital's expansion could create opportunities for regulated digital assets. Investors should watch BTC supports: risk of new lows increases if $74.6k breaks.