Nomura Holdings, Inc. President Kentaro Okuda has indicated a policy of further expanding Japan's corporate bond market. With expansion of the fixed-income business in view, attention is focused on future developments, including plans to establish a department at 野村証券 specializing in bond issuance and Mr. Okuda's scheduled speech at the Financial Nippon Top Symposium in October.
Nomura Holdings, Inc. President Kentaro Okuda expects Japan's corporate bond market to expand as companies' funding needs increase. He has disclosed plans to establish a department at 野村証券 specializing in bond issuance, while capturing growth in the fixed-income business.
Mr. Okuda also pointed out that rising interest rates would increase individual investors' demand for corporate and government bonds. He indicated that the wealth management division is expected to expand accordingly.
The Nikkei interview also reported that Nomura is pursuing organizational reform centered on AI. In addition to strengthening data labeling and advancing AI training, the company is pursuing its “AI Top Gun” initiative to develop talent using AI.
Nomura will celebrate its 100th anniversary in December 2025. It has indicated a policy of using new technologies, including blockchain in addition to AI, as a key to future growth, with the aim of moving transactions on-chain and connecting with the world 24 hours a day.
Mr. Okuda forecasts the Nikkei Stock Average at ¥70,000 at year-end and ¥73,000 at the end of 2027. His outlook is based on the view that inflows of overseas capital will continue, supported by improvements in corporate earnings and corporate governance.