Nomura buys Macquarie Group’s public asset management businesses for $1.8 billion, making the largest international expansion. This is one of the most ambitious acquisitions of the Japanese investment bank after the failed purchase of Lehman Brothers’ Assets. On April 22, the Japanese investment bank said it will take over the management of the publicly traded assets. Additionally, it will also take over the investment teams, operating platforms, and retain the existing management team.
In the last few years, Nomura has been facing trouble in abroad expansions, including the purchase of assets from the failed Lehman Brothers in 2008, which it later had to write off.
Nomura Macquarie Acquisition – Japanese Investment Banks’ Expansion
The Macquarie assets deal, which Nomura called its biggest-ever acquisition, comes as Japanese companies face a shrinking home market and increasingly look overseas for growth. Asset management has become a key focus for Japan’s financial firms, aiming to earn steady, fee-based income that’s less affected by market swings.
“The market is quite unstable right now, but building a strong investment management platform is central to our mid- to long-term strategy,” Nomura CEO Kentaro Okuda said at a press conference. “This deal followed a careful due diligence process and is built to withstand market volatility,” Okuda added.
U.S. government’s tariff announcement could shift sector trends, creating chances for active investment managers, said Nomura’s investment chief Yoshihiro Namura at the briefing.
A Bold Step Toward Global Expansion
The Nomura Macquarie deal includes the U.S. and European public asset management arms of Macquarie, transferring around $118 billion in assets under management. This move positions Nomura to become a more competitive global player in the investment management space.
“This acquisition fits our strategy of scaling internationally while prioritizing long-term resilience,” said Nomura CEO Kentaro Okuda. For Nomura, whose domestic market has matured and faces population-driven challenges, this cross-border expansion represents a pivotal moment.
By acquiring institutional investment teams and infrastructure in key markets, the Nomura Macquarie acquisition also brings credibility and reach, enabling them to tap into a broader client base and diversify revenue sources.
Active Management Gets a New Push
In a world of economic uncertainty and shifting global trade dynamics, Nomura is betting on active investment management to gain the edge. With the Macquarie asset transfer, the firm secures teams known for navigating complex, volatile markets—something increasingly important amid shifting U.S. tariff policies.
As Japanese financial firms adapt to a changing world, Nomura’s global expansion signals a clear intention: to lead the next wave of asset management innovation, globally.
