Fri Nov 08 22:25:12 UTC 2024: ## Nomura Tightens Client Visit Rules After Former Employee Arrested for Robbery and Arson
**Tokyo, Japan** – Nomura Holdings Inc., Japan’s largest brokerage, has announced stricter rules for employee visits to clients’ homes following the arrest of a former employee on suspicion of robbery, arson, and attempted murder.
The 29-year-old ex-employee is accused of drugging an elderly couple in their 80s, stealing ¥26 million ($169,000) in cash from their home, and setting the house on fire in July. The couple escaped unharmed.
Nomura confirmed the suspect was an employee at the time of the incident and has since been dismissed. The arrest comes at a time when the company is already facing reputational damage from previous scandals involving bond market manipulation.
In response to the incident, Nomura will now require prior approval for all employee visits to client homes. The company is also tightening monitoring of employee movements and introducing “block leave” to ensure employees are absent from the workplace, allowing for potential wrongdoing to be detected.
Nomura’s retail division, now known as wealth management, is a key source of revenue and is currently expanding as more Japanese individuals seek investment opportunities. The company expressed deep regret for the incident and apologized to affected clients.
This incident highlights the increasing need for stricter oversight and ethical conduct within the financial industry. Nomura’s response indicates a commitment to regaining the trust of clients and ensuring the safety of its employees and customers.
First Piper 