Investment Banking · 2.5% acceptance rate

Nomura Interview Preparation

Japan's Leading Global Investment Bank with Strong US Capital Markets

5,500+

Applications

2.5%

Offer rate

$250K (base)

Starting salary

Practice Nomura HireVue free

Free for 3 daysNo card until trial endsCancel anytime

HireVue Practice

Nomura — HireVue Practice

Your question

30s preparation 2 min recording Camera + mic

Application process

How to get into Nomura — step by step

Online Application & Resume Screening

2–3 weeks

Highlight any experience with Japanese markets, Asia exposure, or global business. Nomura values candidates with international perspective and interest in emerging markets.

HireVue Video Interview

1–2 weeks after application

Practice behavioral questions with structured STAR method responses. Nomura asks about teamwork and cultural fit. Keep answers concise and impactful.

Numerical & Logical Reasoning Tests

1–2 weeks

Online timed tests. Focus on accuracy under pressure. Practice with sample tests to improve speed and confidence.

First Round (Analyst/Senior Analyst Interview)

2–3 weeks after tests

Expect technical finance questions and market awareness questions. Demonstrate knowledge of Nomura's franchise and recent deals.

Superday (In-Person/Virtual)

3–4 weeks

Typically 3–4 interviews including MD roundtable. Be ready to discuss Asia-Pacific markets, capital markets trends, and your commercial thinking.

Interview questions

Nomura interview questions by round

Questions change at every stage. Know what to expect.

1Build a 3-statement model for a public company. Explain key assumptions and drivers.
2How would you value a company using trading multiples? What multiples matter most?
3Explain the relationship between cost of capital, reinvestment, and value creation.
4Walk through the components of a company's WACC and how changes affect valuation.

What they value

What Nomura looks for in candidates

Technical Excellence

Strong financial modeling skills, deep understanding of valuation methods, and ability to analyze deals rigorously. Nomura expects high-caliber technical execution.

Global & Asia Market Awareness

Understanding of Asian markets, geopolitics, and cross-border dynamics. Candidates with Asia exposure or genuine interest in emerging markets stand out.

Capital Markets Fluency

Deep knowledge of equities, fixed income, derivatives, and capital markets dynamics. Ability to discuss market structure and trading trends.

Intellectual Rigor

Capacity for deep analytical thinking and problem-solving. Nomura values candidates who ask tough questions and think critically about markets.

Teamwork & Communication

Ability to work effectively with diverse teams across geographies and functions. Clear communication and strong relationship-building skills.

Compensation

Nomura salary & benefits

Graduate

$180,000

Intern

$3,600–$4,400

Bonus

Typically 50–120% of base (varies by division and performance)

Perks & benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance401(k) matching up to 5%Life insurance and AD&D coverageProfessional development and tuition reimbursementCommuter benefits and transit subsidiesWellness programs and gym subsidiesParental leave and family benefits

Culture & work style

What it's actually like to work at Nomura

Meritocratic and intellectually rigorous. Excellence in technical skills and market knowledge is highly valued.

Global mindset with deep connections to Asian markets. Strong presence of Japanese leadership with international outlook.

Collaborative across geographies and divisions. You'll work with colleagues in Tokyo, London, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Strong emphasis on development and mentorship. Senior team members actively invest in analyst growth.

Work-life balance varies by division. Institutional equities and advisory tend to have moderate hours; sales & trading can be more demanding.

Insider tips

How to stand out at Nomura

Develop deep knowledge of Asian markets, Japanese business practices, or emerging market trends. Discuss these insights in interviews.

Build a financial model analyzing a major Asia-Pacific company or cross-border deal involving Japanese or Asian firms.

Seek internship or project experience in global or Asia-focused finance roles.

Learn Japanese basics or highlight any existing language skills. This shows commitment to understanding the culture.

Follow Nomura's franchise and recent announcements. Reference their deals, market positioning, and strategic initiatives in conversations.

Compare

Nomura vs competitors

Firm	Salary	Hours	Culture	Exit opps
Nomura	$180,000	—/week	Meritocratic and intellectually rigorous...	—
Goldman Sachs	$250K+ (base)	75–95 hrs/week	Elite, intense, highly meritocratic	PE, hedge funds, corporate development
Morgan Stanley	$240K (base)	75–90 hrs/week	Client-focused, collaborative, disciplined	PE, hedge funds, corporate strategy
Mizuho Financial Group	$215K (base)	70–85 hrs/week	Traditional Japanese banking, risk-aware	Corporate finance, PE, asset management
Daiwa Securities	$210K (base)	70–80 hrs/week	Japan-focused, relationship-oriented	Corporate banking, asset management

FAQ

Nomura FAQs

5,500+ people are applying.
Be the one who prepared.

Free HireVue practice with Nomura questions. Scored report with competency breakdown. No signup required.

Practice for Nomura free