Daiwa Securities

Daiwa Securities Competitive Intelligence & Landscape

daiwa-grp.jp ·

Overview

Daiwa Securities Overview

Daiwa Securities Group Inc. (daiwa-grp.jp) is a prominent financial services company with a rich history dating back to its commencement of operations as Fujimoto Bill Broker in 1902 [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/faq/faq_01.html]. It officially became Daiwa Securities Co. Ltd. in 1943 through a merger [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/faq/faq_01.html], and Daiwa Securities Group Inc. commenced operations in its current form on April 26, 1999 [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/profile.html]. The company's headquarters are located in GranTokyo North Tower, 9-1, Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/profile.html]. As of March 31, 2026, its capital is ¥247.3 billion [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/profile.html].

Daiwa Securities Group operates as a holding company, with Daiwa Securities Co. Ltd. being a core part of its extensive group of companies [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/group/]. Its services and products are comprehensive, catering to a broad market that includes individual investors, corporations, and institutional clients. The group's offerings span various financial domains, including asset management, research, investment banking, and retail brokerage services, facilitated by entities like Daiwa Asset Management Co.Ltd. and Daiwa Institute of Research Ltd. [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/group/].

The company is led by President and CEO Akihiko Ogino [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/].

Daiwa Securities Group is committed to evolving its initiatives through continuous dialogue with its stakeholders [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/]. Their mission emphasizes sustained growth and value creation, evidenced by their Medium-Term Management Plan and ongoing focus on corporate governance and investor relations [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/].

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Competitors

Daiwa Securities Competitors

Daiwa Securities Group (daiwa-grp.jp) operates in a competitive financial landscape, with several key rivals vying for market share. As Japan's second-largest full-line securities firm, Daiwa Securities generates revenue through investment banking, markets, asset management, and retail brokerage, driven by commissions, underwriting fees, interest income, and AUM-based management fees [https://portersfiveforce.com/blogs/competitors/daiwa-grp].

One of Daiwa Securities' primary competitors is Nomura Securities, which is widely recognized as the largest securities brokerage in Japan [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daiwa_Securities_Group]. While Daiwa Securities maintains a strong position, Nomura Securities often holds a larger market share, particularly in retail services and international investment banking through its arm, Nomura Trust & Banking [https://www.cbinsights.com/company/securities-japan/alternatives-competitors].

Another significant competitor is Mizuho Financial Group, which, along with SMBC Nikko, is regarded as a major challenger to Daiwa Securities in Japan's financial market [https://portersfiveforce.com/blogs/competitors/daiwa-grp].

Mizuho Financial Group offers a broad range of financial services, including banking and securities, potentially differentiating itself with a more integrated financial ecosystem compared to Daiwa Securities which primarily focuses on securities [https://www.cbinsights.com/company/securities-japan/alternatives-competitors].

Rakuten Bank also emerges as a competitor, particularly in the digital and online brokerage space [https://www.cbinsights.com/company/securities-japan/alternatives-competitors]. While Daiwa Securities offers online trading to individual investors through its subsidiary, Daiwa Securities, Rakuten Bank may appeal to a different segment of the market with potentially more accessible or technologically advanced online platforms, competing on convenience and potentially lower fees for certain digital services.

Product & Pricing

Daiwa Securities Product and Pricing Intelligence

Daiwa Securities (daiwa-grp.jp) emphasizes transparency in communicating fees for its products and services, ensuring customers have a clear understanding of costs [daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/management/strategy/policy.html]. The company offers various investment and insurance products with different pricing structures and benefits. For instance, the "Daiwa Fund Wrap" had promotional fixed-term deposit rates, including a 3-month term at 5.0% for new deposits, 6.0% for retirement fund deposits, and 4.0% for maturity/redemption fund deposits, while 1-year terms offered lower rates [daiwa-grp.jp/data/attach/1580_12_20150224.pdf]. The minimum contract amount for Daiwa Fund Wrap promotional plans was 500 units [daiwa-grp.jp/data/attach/1580_12_20150224.pdf].

Daiwa Securities also provides "Daiwa 365FX," an FX trading service, which has offered transaction fees at one of the industry's lowest levels. A campaign, "Minna Discount!" (Everyone Discount!), temporarily set transaction fees at 52 yen (tax included) per unit until the end of December 2010. Additionally, new account opening campaigns for "Daiwa 365FX" or "Daiwa FX" offered cash back rewards ranging from 8,000 yen to a maximum of 200,000 yen, depending on trading activity [daiwa-grp.jp/data/current/press-2786-attachment.pdf]. Furthermore, a high-functionality trading tool, "Daiwa Trading Board 365FX," was made available for free to customers starting in early August [daiwa-grp.jp/data/current/press-2786-attachment.pdf].

For insurance products, Daiwa Securities offers group insurance plans (Group Comprehensive Life Compensation Insurance) to its officers, employees, and their families at highly competitive rates, with group discounts potentially reaching up to 43.75% compared to general contracts [daiwa-grp.jp/dfs/group/group.html]. These plans include various compensation options such as injury, illness, parent care, and income compensation [daiwa-grp.jp/dfs/group/group.html]. Automobile insurance is also available, allowing customers to get a quote in as little as 30 seconds and offering customizable plans with various optional riders, such as personal injury liability, property damage liability, personal injury, and special provisions for new vehicle value or earthquake/tsunami total loss [daiwa-grp.jp/dfs/group/car/car_SJ.pdf].

Daiwa Securities (daiwa-grp.jp) is dedicated to providing optimal solutions through its asset management tools and a systematic proposal process that considers a customer's total assets, including both financial and non-financial assets like real estate [daiwa-grp.jp/english/sustainability/business/product_development.html], [daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/toolkit/annualreport/pdf/ar2025/ar2025e_12.pdf]. The company's diverse product and pricing strategies, including competitive fees, promotional offers, and discounted group insurance, aim to cater to a wide range of customer needs and investment styles.

Hiring & Layoffs

Daiwa Securities Hiring and Layoffs

Daiwa Securities Group Inc. (daiwa-grp.jp) emphasizes a proactive and strategic approach to hiring, viewing it as a critical investment in corporate growth and employee value [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/work/workplace.html]. The company aims to foster high loyalty, motivation, and engagement among its staff, with all new college graduates recruited as full and regular employees [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/work/workplace.html]. This policy extends to flexible hiring throughout the year and post-April start dates to accommodate various job seekers [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/about/work/workplace.html].

Daiwa Securities Group actively strengthens its career recruitment efforts, seeking individuals with prior work, industry, or job experience to diversify its talent pool [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/about/work/workplace.html]. This includes a variety of positions, from general comprehensive roles that offer broad career development opportunities to regional comprehensive roles focused on specific areas [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/about/work/workplace.html]. The company also utilizes an intra-group job posting system, allowing employees with relevant skills and aspirations to explore new career paths within the group; since FY2021, over 100 employees have made internal transfers through this system [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/work/skill_up.html].

Currently, Daiwa Securities Group is engaged in both new graduate and career hiring. Notable job openings include positions for full-time employees in securities administration, operations management, and planning, primarily in Tokyo, with a monthly salary of 272,000 yen for new graduates [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/dsc/recruit/guideline/]. The recruitment process involves document screening, aptitude tests, and interviews [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/dsc/recruit/guideline/]. The company has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with women making up 40.4% of employees as of FY2024, and considers the promotion of women's advancement a key diversity objective [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/work/diversity.html]. There is no information available indicating recent layoffs at Daiwa Securities Group.

Leadership

Daiwa Securities Management and Leadership Team

The leadership at Daiwa Securities Group Inc. (daiwa-grp.jp) is headed by Akihiko Ogino who serves as the President and CEO. He also holds the position of Representative Director and President of Daiwa Securities Co. Ltd. [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/toolkit/annualreport/special/]. The Board of Directors includes Seiji Nakata as Chairperson of the Board [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/toolkit/annualreport/pdf/ar2025/ar2025e_32.pdf] and Eiji Sato as a Member of the Board and Representative Director/Deputy President of Daiwa Securities Co. Ltd. [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/organization.html].

Shinsuke Niizuma is the Deputy President and COO, overseeing Wealth Management for Daiwa Securities Group Inc. [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/toolkit/annualreport/special/]. Other key executives include Keiko Tashiro, Deputy President, Head of Asset Management, Securities Asset Management, Sustainability, and Financial Education [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/toolkit/annualreport/pdf/ar2025/ar2025e_10.pdf].

Kotaro Yoshida is the Executive Managing Director and CFO [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/toolkit/annualreport/special/].

Recent leadership changes include Seiji Nakata serving as President and CEO from 2017 to 2024 before becoming the Chairperson of the Board [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/toolkit/annualreport/pdf/ar2025/ar2025e_32.pdf].

Akihiko Ogino has since taken on the role of President and CEO [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/profile.html]. The company's corporate governance structure emphasizes swift decision-making by assigning broad authority to Corporate Executive Officers [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/governance/pdf/corporate_governance_report.pdf].

The leadership team also features Tomoyuki Murase as Deputy President, CIO and CDO, and Deputy President of Daiwa Securities Co. Ltd. [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/toolkit/annualreport/pdf/ar2025/ar2025e_10.pdf]. There are 13 Corporate Executive Officers, including Junichi Serizawa who is a Corporate Executive Officer and Deputy President of Daiwa Securities Co. Ltd. [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/organization.html].

Hiroko Sakurai is also a Corporate Executive Officer [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/about/organization.html].

Financials

Daiwa Securities Financial Performance, Fundraising, M&A

Daiwa Securities Group Inc. (daiwa-grp.jp) reported significant financial performance in FY2024, achieving net operating revenues of ¥645.9 billion and ordinary income of ¥224.7 billion. This marked the first time in 19 years, since FY2005, that ordinary income surpassed ¥200 billion [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/toolkit/annualreport/pdf/ar2025/ar2025e_11.pdf]. The company's Medium-Term Management Plan for FY2024 to FY2026 targets an ordinary income of ¥240 billion or more, alongside an ROE of around 10% [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/toolkit/annualreport/pdf/ar2025/ar2025e_all.pdf?ver=250922].

Historically, Daiwa Securities has shown fluctuating but substantial operating revenues, with figures such as ¥1,372,014 million in a recent period and ¥672,287 million more recently [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/toolkit/annualreport/pdf/ar2025/ar2025e_41.pdf?ver=250922]. The company maintains a strong capital base, with Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) at ¥1,356,407 million as of September 2025, and Tier 1 capital at ¥1,542,917 million for the same period [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/financial/capital/pdf/kenzensei_e2025_09.pdf].

Daiwa Securities is also well-regarded by credit rating agencies. As of April 1, 2026, it holds ratings such as A+ from Rating and Investment Information (R&I), AA- from Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR), A3 from Moody's Japan, BBB+ from Standard&Poor's Ratings Japan, and A- from Fitch Ratings [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/shareholders/rating.html]. These ratings underscore the company's solid financial health and creditworthiness within the financial sector.

The company focuses on promoting a wealth management business and aims for stable earnings growth, indicating a strategic direction towards sustained financial performance [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/toolkit/annualreport/pdf/ar2025/ar2025e_all.pdf?ver=250922]. While specific recent fundraising rounds or large-scale M&A activities are not detailed in the provided sources, the consistent reporting of financial summaries and performance data on its investor relations pages suggests active financial management and transparency [https://www.daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/financial/].

Partnerships

Daiwa Securities Partnerships, Clients and Vendors

Daiwa Securities Group Inc. (Daiwa Securities) actively engages in strategic partnerships, client relationships, and vendor collaborations to foster growth and innovation within the financial sector. The company's “Co-Creation (Value Co-Creation)” program highlights its commitment to collaborating with various partners to create new value and businesses, addressing diverse societal challenges through startup support [daiwa-grp.jp/activities/20250401_700.html]. This program includes growth support, listing support, and other services such as M&A referrals and FA (Financial Advisory) services [daiwa-grp.jp/activities/20250401_700.html].

Daiwa Securities partners with several venture capital (VC) firms, including Digital Garage and Sony, to expand its network and investment capabilities [daiwa-grp.jp/activities/assets/pdf/Co-Creation%20with%20Startups_20241001.pdf]. It also collaborates with M&A brokerage firms such as Nihon M&A Center, Kyoto Bank, Strike, OnDeck, and Batonz to facilitate various M&A transactions [daiwa-grp.jp/activities/assets/pdf/Co-Creation%20with%20Startups_20241001.pdf]. Additionally, the company leverages its network with listed companies, startups, financial institutions, PE funds, and overseas institutional investors for M&A and capital and business alliance introductions [daiwa-grp.jp/activities/assets/pdf/Co-Creation%20with%20Startups_20241001.pdf].

Key subsidiaries and affiliates within the Daiwa Securities Group play crucial roles in these partnerships.

Daiwa Corporate Investment Co., Ltd. (daiwa-inv.co.jp) functions as the venture capital arm of the group, with a history spanning over 40 years, having composed 92 funds, invested over 470 billion yen in 2,369 companies, and contributed to 672 IPOs [daiwa-inv.co.jp]. Another significant internal partner is Daiwa Institute of Research Ltd. (DIR), which provides FA services and unlisted stock valuation, particularly for middle-market deals [daiwa-grp.jp/activities/assets/pdf/Co-Creation%20with%20Startups_20241001.pdf]. In May 2025, Daiwa Securities announced a business tie-up in M&A advisory with Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, aiming to enhance their capabilities through personnel dispatch to DIR [daiwa-grp.jp/english/ir/toolkit/annualreport/pdf/ar2025/ar2025e_all.pdf?ver=250922].

Beyond domestic collaborations, Daiwa Securities has pursued overseas business alliances, particularly in the equity business. Past tie-up partners have included Thanachart Securities Plc. of Thailand, PT. Bahana Securities of Indonesia, and Affin Investment Bank Bhd. of Malaysia, demonstrating its strategy to expand its international business network [daiwa-grp.jp/english/pdf/ar2014/ar2014_04_e.pdf]. In terms of technology and innovation, the Daiwa Securities Group is actively exploring Web3.0 through its subsidiary Fintertech, which launched “digital asset secured loans” in 2020 and developed the NFT management service “NFT Cocoon” in 2023 [daiwa-grp.jp/about/digital/assets/pdf/%E6%AC%A1%E4%B8%96%E4%BB%A3%E3%81%AE%E9%87%91%E8%9E%8D%E3%82%B5%E3%83%BC%E3%83%93%E3%82%B9%E3%82%92%E5%88%87%E3%82%8A%E9%96%8B%E3%81%8F%E3%83%87%E3%82%B8%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AB%E3%83%BB%E3%82%A4%E3%83%8E%E3%83%99%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%B3%EF%BD%9E%E7%94%9F%E6%88%90AI%E3%81%A8Web3.0%E9%A0%98%E5%9F%9F%E3%81%B8%E3%81%AE%E5%8F%96%E3%82%8A%E7%B5%84%E3%81%BF%EF%BD%9E.pdf]. In January 2025, Daiwa Institute of Research also entered into a basic agreement for a business alliance with Recept to provide self-sovereign digital certificate services [daiwa-grp.jp/about/digital/assets/pdf/%E6%AC%A1%E4%B8%96%E4%BB%A3%E3%81%AE%E9%87%91%E8%9E%8D%E3%82%B5%E3%83%BC%E3%83%93%E3%82%B9%E3%82%92%E5%88%87%E3%82%8A%E9%96%8B%E3%81%8F%E3%83%87%E3%82%B8%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AB%E3%83%BB%E3%82%A4%E3%83%8E%E3%83%99%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%B3%EF%BD%9E%E7%94%9F%E6%88%90AI%E3%81%A8Web3.0%E9%A0%98%E5%9F%9F%E3%81%B8%E3%81%AE%E5%8F%96%E3%82%8A%E7%B5%84%E3%81%BF%EF%BD%9E.pdf].

Events

Daiwa Securities Event Participations

Daiwa Securities Group Inc. (daiwa-grp.jp) actively participates in and hosts various events, ranging from investor relations activities to sustainability-focused discussions and educational seminars. The company maintains a detailed IR Calendar [1, 5] that lists important dates and events for shareholders and investors, including presentations and briefings [3, 6]. These events cover critical updates such as results briefings and management strategy materials [6].

Beyond investor relations, Daiwa Securities Group Inc. hosts and supports events that emphasize sustainability and societal engagement. For instance, the company held an SDGs Webinar on June 4, 2025, titled "Transforming 'Decarbonization' into Growth Opportunities: Creating Corporate Value Based on GX Policy and Energy Basic Trends." This webinar, conducted via Zoom, attracted a large audience including investors and issuers to discuss topics like the GX2040 Vision and the 7th Basic Energy Plan, focusing on achieving both decarbonization and economic growth [4].

Daiwa Securities Group Inc. also demonstrates a commitment to financial literacy and community engagement. They conduct on-site classes, seminars, and workplace tours for schools, the general public, and corporations [8]. The company even exhibits at "Kidzania Tokyo" and "Kidzania Koshien", offering interactive pavilions related to securities companies [8]. Furthermore, Daiwa Securities Group Inc. participates in broader initiatives such as endorsing Global Money Week 2026 and actively engaging in events like the Milken Institute: 2023 Japan Symposium [5]. They also organize special lectures like "Passion for ZERO Carbon" [5] and collaborate on events in Japan with organizations such as the British Embassy [9].

Shareholders are a key focus, with Ordinary General Meetings of Shareholders regularly held. For example, the 88th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders was convened on June 20, 2025, in Tokyo [7]. The company also makes its presentations and other IR events and briefings accessible through its investor relations pages [2, 3].

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Daiwa Securities' active event participation, including an SDGs webinar and financial literacy programs, signal about its strategic priorities?

Daiwa Securities' active involvement in events such as an SDGs Webinar and financial literacy programs signals a strategic priority on sustainability and societal engagement beyond traditional investor relations. The company uses these platforms to discuss topics like decarbonization and the GX2040 Vision, demonstrating a commitment to creating value based on environmental and economic growth, while also fostering community engagement and financial education.

How does Daiwa Securities' hiring strategy for new graduates and experienced professionals reflect its approach to talent management and corporate growth?

Daiwa Securities' hiring strategy emphasizes talent as a critical investment, recruiting all new college graduates as full, regular employees and proactively seeking experienced professionals to diversify its talent pool. This approach, coupled with an internal job posting system that has facilitated over 100 transfers since FY2021, indicates a focus on fostering loyalty, motivation, and broad career development to drive corporate growth.

What is the significance of Daiwa Securities exceeding ¥200 billion in ordinary income for FY2024, the first time since FY2005?

Daiwa Securities surpassing ¥200 billion in ordinary income for FY2024, the first time in 19 years, indicates a significant recovery and strong financial performance. This achievement suggests successful execution of its business strategies and aligns with its Medium-Term Management Plan, which targets an ordinary income of ¥240 billion or more and an ROE of approximately 10% for FY2024 to FY2026.

What do the credit ratings from agencies like R&I, JCR, and Moody's suggest about Daiwa Securities' financial stability and market perception?

The credit ratings, including A+ from R&I, AA- from JCR, A3 from Moody's, BBB+ from S&P, and A- from Fitch, indicate that Daiwa Securities is perceived as financially stable and creditworthy by major rating agencies. These strong ratings reflect the company's solid financial health and robust capital base, which as of September 2025 included Common Equity Tier 1 of ¥1,356,407 million.

What does the transition of Seiji Nakata from President and CEO to Chairperson of the Board, and Akihiko Ogino's ascension to President and CEO, imply about Daiwa Securities' leadership transition strategy?

The transition of Seiji Nakata to Chairperson of the Board and Akihiko Ogino's appointment as President and CEO implies a planned and smooth leadership succession strategy at Daiwa Securities. This move suggests a desire to maintain continuity in strategic direction while bringing new leadership to the top executive role, ensuring ongoing stability and effective governance.

How does Daiwa Securities' emphasis on a 'wealth management business' within its Medium-Term Management Plan influence its strategic direction?

Daiwa Securities' focus on a 'wealth management business' in its Medium-Term Management Plan indicates a strategic shift towards stable earnings growth and comprehensive client solutions. This direction suggests a greater emphasis on long-term client relationships and holistic financial planning, moving beyond transactional revenue to generate more consistent income streams.

How does Daiwa Securities' 'Co-Creation (Value Co-Creation)' program, including startup support and M&A services, reflect its strategic approach to innovation and growth?

Daiwa Securities' 'Co-Creation (Value Co-Creation)' program, which involves startup support and M&A services with partners like Digital Garage and Nihon M&A Center, reflects a strategic commitment to fostering innovation and expanding its business ecosystem. This approach aims to create new value by addressing societal challenges and diversifying revenue streams through strategic collaborations and investment in emerging ventures.

What is the strategic rationale behind Daiwa Securities' M&A advisory business tie-up with Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, including personnel dispatch to Daiwa Institute of Research?

The strategic rationale behind Daiwa Securities' M&A advisory business tie-up with Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, including personnel dispatch to Daiwa Institute of Research (DIR), is to enhance M&A capabilities. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both institutions to expand service offerings and improve expertise in financial advisory, particularly for middle-market deals handled by DIR.

How does Daiwa Securities' subsidiary Fintertech's exploration of Web3.0 through initiatives like 'digital asset secured loans' and 'NFT Cocoon' position the company for future digital finance trends?

Daiwa Securities' subsidiary Fintertech's initiatives in Web3.0, such as 'digital asset secured loans' and 'NFT Cocoon,' position the company to engage with future digital finance trends. This strategic exploration indicates a proactive approach to embracing blockchain technology and digital assets, aiming to develop new financial services and maintain relevance in an evolving technological landscape.

What is the impact of Daiwa Securities' competitive pricing strategies, such as low transaction fees for 'Daiwa 365FX' and discounted group insurance, on its market positioning?

Daiwa Securities' competitive pricing strategies, including low transaction fees for 'Daiwa 365FX' and discounted group insurance, are designed to attract and retain a broad customer base. These offers help the company compete effectively in various market segments by providing cost-effective solutions, aiming to enhance customer value and market share in both investment and insurance products.

How does Daiwa Securities' differentiated product offerings like 'Daiwa Fund Wrap' and a systematic proposal process considering total assets align with its wealth management strategy?

Daiwa Securities' differentiated product offerings such as 'Daiwa Fund Wrap' and its systematic proposal process considering a customer's total financial and non-financial assets align directly with its wealth management strategy. This approach aims to provide optimal, holistic solutions tailored to individual needs, fostering long-term client relationships and comprehensive asset growth rather than focusing solely on individual transactions.

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