Nomura Expands Active ETF Platform in U.S.

The asset manager plans to grow its U.S. ETF lineup to 17 funds by March 2027 to meet investor demand for active strategies.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Investing

Isometric editorial illustration of nested geometric forms representing market structures, set in a clean and organized minimalist space. — Nomura Asset Management is scaling its U.S. distribution infrastructure to grow its active ETF portfolio to 17 funds by March 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Nomura Asset Management is expanding its U.S. active ETF platform by scaling its sales and distribution capabilities. This move follows the firm's December 2025 acquisition of Macquarie Asset Management's U.S. public investments business, aiming to offer investors broader access to active strategies.

Why it matters

Active strategies are gaining significant traction with investors, accounting for 39% of all U.S. ETF flows through September 2026. Nomura is building out this suite to bridge key asset class gaps and leverage its institutional heritage as it aims to grow from 10 to 17 active ETFs by March 2027.

Active strategies captured 39% of all U.S. ETF flows through September 2026. Nomura currently offers 10 active ETFs in the U.S., including funds like the Nomura Focused Emerging Markets Equity ETF, which reported a 91% return over the 12-month period ending in September 2026.

The players

Nomura Asset Management

A global institutional asset manager currently building out its U.S. active ETF platform and sales capabilities.

Macquarie Asset Management

An investment firm that sold its U.S. public investments business to Nomura in December 2025.

The details

Nomura is leveraging its institutional heritage to scale its U.S. platform by filling specific asset class gaps in its wealth management offerings. The firm recently launched the Nomura High Yield Total Return ETF in October 2026 with an expense ratio of 0.45%. By investing in sales and distribution infrastructure, Nomura intends to replicate its Japan market leadership within the U.S. retail and institutional investment landscape.

December 2025 marked the acquisition of Macquarie Asset Management's U.S. business.
September 2026 served as the cutoff for annual performance and flow data.
Early October 2026 saw the launch of the Nomura High Yield Total Return ETF.
The fourth quarter of 2026 is the expected window for a new Japan equity ETF launch.
March 2027 is the target date for Nomura to reach a total of 17 active ETFs.

Money Landscape

Nomura's growth strategy aligns with a broader industry pivot where active management has captured 39% of all U.S. ETF flows through September 2026. This expansion follows the firm's 2025 consolidation of U.S. assets as it shifts from a traditional institutional focus toward a broader U.S. retail ETF presence.

As Nomura adds more active ETFs to the U.S. market, you may see more options for diversifying your portfolio across specific asset classes. Before adjusting your holdings, discuss with a financial professional how the expense ratios and historical performance of these active strategies compare to your current investments.

The takeaway

Nomura is betting on the continued popularity of active ETFs to gain a larger foothold in the U.S. wealth management market. Keep an eye on your portfolio's expense ratios and strategy diversification, and consult a financial professional before shifting your asset allocation to new product launches.

What happens next

Investors interested in the firm's new offerings should watch for the anticipated launch of an actively managed Japan equity ETF scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, followed by the planned expansion of the full lineup to 17 funds by March 2027.