SMBC Nikko Securities Establishes New DeFi Technology Department to Advance Web3 Business Initiatives

On February 1st, SMBC Nikko Securities implemented an organizational reform by establishing a 'DeFi Technology Department' under the Digital Innovation division. Concurrently, Taiyu Isono, head of Nikko Open Innovation Lab, was announced as the head of this new department. Isono joined the company in 2012 and spent eight years in investment banking before launching the open innovation team 'Funder Storm,' which collaborates with technical colleges and promotes new Web3-related businesses. This personnel move allows Isono to hold dual roles, leveraging his expertise at the Nikko Open Innovation Lab to propel the DeFi Technology Department forward.