The Japanese asset management firm has bought stakes in a robo-advisor business.

Nomura Asset Management, part of Japanese financial group Nomura, is investing about Y1.8 billion (around $18 million) 8 Securities Inc, a Japanese robo-advisor operating through iOS and Android apps and its Hong Kong-headquartered fintech parent, 8 Limited, via share purchases.  

NAM will hold most of the outstanding shares in 8 Securities, while the asset manager will be a minority shareholder in 8 Limited. Investments will be made in early April, NAM said in a statement yesterday. 

The robo-advisor executes investment decisions via exchange traded funds; 8 Limited also provides mobile app mobile advisory and online brokerage services in Hong Kong. As part of the agreement, 8 Securities is preparing to offer NAM Index funds.

Nomura said the investment will have a “minimal” effect on company financial results.