Core Viewpoint - Nomura Holdings Inc. is reducing its cryptocurrency positions and tightening risk controls in response to financial setbacks in its European subsidiary, Laser Digital Holdings, during Q3 of fiscal year 2025 [1][3]. Group 1: Company Actions - The decision to reduce cryptocurrency holdings and implement stricter risk management reflects the challenges faced by traditional financial institutions in the volatile crypto market [2][7]. - Nomura's Chief Financial Officer, Hiroyuki Moriuchi, announced these changes during an earnings call on January 30, 2026, highlighting the impact of market volatility on the company's net income [2][3]. - Despite the adjustments, Nomura remains committed to the digital asset sector, planning to expand its business in the medium to long term [4][9]. Group 2: Subsidiary Operations - Laser Digital, Nomura's dedicated crypto arm launched in 2022, offers services such as trading, asset management, and venture investments, leveraging quantitative-driven strategies for market making [4][5]. - The subsidiary is licensed in the UAE and aims to bridge traditional banking with the digital economy, providing crypto funds and treasury management tools [5]. Group 3: Market Context - The digital asset sector has experienced significant volatility due to regulatory changes, macroeconomic factors, and investor sentiment, with late 2025 setbacks attributed to global economic uncertainties [6]. - Nomura's experience is part of a broader trend where financial institutions are recalibrating their crypto strategies to balance innovation with caution [7]. Group 4: Future Plans - Laser Digital has applied for a national trust bank charter with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which, if approved, would allow it to offer cryptocurrency custody and trading services under federal oversight [8]. - This application indicates Nomura's intent to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market while focusing on institutional clients rather than retail deposits [8]. Group 5: Financial Health - Despite challenges in the crypto sector, Nomura's overall financial health remains strong, as evidenced by a ¥60 billion share buyback program, reflecting confidence in its core operations [9].

Core Insights - U.S. Bank has launched a new organization focused on emerging digital products and services, including stablecoin issuance, cryptocurrency custody, asset tokenization, and digital money movement [1][2] - The Digital Assets and Money Movement organization aims to develop revenue from these services, establish the bank's digital asset strategy, and accelerate progress within U.S. Bank [2][3] Company Developments - The organization will be led by Jamie Walker, who has over 20 years of experience at U.S. Bank and has been in his current role for eight years [3] - U.S. Bank is positioning itself as a trusted partner in the evolving digital asset landscape, emphasizing the importance of digital capabilities for clients [4] Industry Context - The mainstreaming of digital assets represents a significant transformation in the banking sector, influenced by technological changes, regulatory developments, and economic uncertainty [4] - Recent regulatory changes, such as the Federal Reserve Board's easing of restrictions on banks engaging in crypto activities, have created a more favorable environment for digital asset initiatives [4][5] - U.S. Bank has been appointed as the custodian for reserves backing Anchorage Digital Bank's payment stablecoins, highlighting its role in the digital asset ecosystem [5][6]

Core Insights - U.S. Bank has established a new Digital Assets and Money Movement organization to enhance the development and revenue growth of emerging digital products and services [1] - The focus areas for this new organization include stablecoin issuance, cryptocurrency custody, asset tokenization, and digital money movement [1] - Jamie Walker, an experienced professional in the payments industry, will lead this new initiative at U.S. Bank [1]