Nomura Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Nomura is a global financial services group with a strong presence across approximately 30 countries, providing innovative solutions to individuals, institutions, corporations, and governments.

The Business Analyst role at Nomura is pivotal in driving change initiatives within the organization, particularly related to regulatory compliance and project management. This position involves collaborating closely with various stakeholders—including legal, compliance, and operational teams—to analyze business requirements and develop effective solutions. Key responsibilities include project plan development, timeline management, risk assessment, and documentation of business processes. A successful candidate would demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to engage with senior stakeholders, and experience in managing complex projects within the financial services sector.

To excel in this role, candidates should possess a deep understanding of financial products, particularly in Wholesale Banking and Investment Banking. Familiarity with regulatory requirements and experience in change management will be highly beneficial. Additionally, proficiency in project management tools such as JIRA and Confluence, as well as a strong command of the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, is essential.

This guide aims to equip you with the insights needed to prepare for your interview at Nomura, helping you to present your skills and experiences in alignment with the company's values and expectations.

The interview process for a Business Analyst role at Nomura is structured and thorough, reflecting the company's commitment to finding the right candidates for their complex projects. The process typically consists of several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening, which usually takes place via a phone call with a recruiter or hiring manager. This conversation is designed to assess your general fit for the role and the company culture. Expect to discuss your background, relevant experiences, and motivations for applying to Nomura. This stage may also include some preliminary questions about your understanding of the financial services industry and the specific requirements of the Business Analyst role.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically undergo one or more technical interviews. These interviews focus on your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and technical knowledge relevant to the role. You may be asked to demonstrate your proficiency in SQL, project management methodologies, and your understanding of financial products and regulations. Be prepared to discuss past projects in detail, including your role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.

3. Behavioral Interview

In addition to technical assessments, candidates will participate in behavioral interviews. These interviews aim to evaluate your interpersonal skills, teamwork, and how you handle various workplace scenarios. Expect questions that explore your past experiences, decision-making processes, and how you manage stakeholder relationships. This is an opportunity to showcase your communication skills and ability to influence others effectively.

4. Final Interview

The final stage often involves a more in-depth interview with senior management or team leads. This may include discussions about your long-term career aspirations, alignment with Nomura's values, and your approach to project management and governance. You may also be asked to present a case study or a project you have worked on, highlighting your analytical and strategic thinking skills.

5. HR Interview

The last step in the process is typically an HR interview, where you will discuss logistical details such as salary expectations, availability, and any other administrative matters. This is also a chance for you to ask any remaining questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and the specifics of the role.

As you prepare for your interviews, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked, particularly those related to your technical skills and past experiences.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at Nomura. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, analytical thinking, and ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, particularly in project management and regulatory environments, as well as your understanding of financial services.

Experience and Background

1. Can you describe a project where you had to manage multiple stakeholders?

This question aims to evaluate your project management skills and your ability to communicate effectively with different parties.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific project where you successfully managed various stakeholders, highlighting your communication strategies and how you ensured everyone was aligned with the project goals.

Example

“In my previous role, I managed a project that involved multiple departments, including compliance, IT, and operations. I organized regular meetings to keep everyone updated and used a shared project management tool to track progress. This approach helped us meet our deadlines and ensured that all stakeholders were informed and engaged throughout the process.”

Technical Skills

2. What is your experience with SQL and how have you used it in your previous roles?

This question assesses your technical proficiency with SQL, which is crucial for data analysis in a business analyst role.

How to Answer

Provide specific examples of how you have utilized SQL in your past projects, including the types of queries you wrote and the insights you derived from the data.

Example

“I have used SQL extensively to extract and analyze data for reporting purposes. For instance, I wrote complex queries to pull data from multiple tables, which allowed me to generate insights on customer behavior that informed our marketing strategies.”

3. How do you approach requirements gathering for a new project?

This question evaluates your methodology for collecting and documenting business requirements.

How to Answer

Explain your process for gathering requirements, including how you engage with stakeholders and ensure that their needs are accurately captured.

Example

“I typically start by conducting interviews and workshops with key stakeholders to understand their needs. I then document the requirements in a clear and structured format, often using user stories or use cases, to ensure that everyone has a shared understanding of the project scope.”

Analytical Skills

4. Describe a time when you identified a gap in a process. How did you address it?

This question assesses your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example where you identified a process inefficiency and the steps you took to resolve it.

Example

“In a previous project, I noticed that our reporting process was taking too long due to manual data entry. I proposed automating the data collection using a new software tool, which reduced the reporting time by 50% and improved accuracy.”

5. How do you evaluate the success of a project?

This question aims to understand your metrics for measuring project outcomes.

How to Answer

Discuss the key performance indicators (KPIs) you use to assess project success and how you gather feedback from stakeholders.

Example

“I evaluate project success based on several KPIs, including on-time delivery, budget adherence, and stakeholder satisfaction. After project completion, I conduct a review meeting to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement in future projects.”

Regulatory Knowledge

6. What do you know about SEC Securities Lending Reporting?

This question tests your knowledge of specific regulatory requirements relevant to the role.

How to Answer

Demonstrate your understanding of the SEC regulations and their implications for financial reporting.

Example

“I understand that SEC Securities Lending Reporting requires covered persons to report material terms of securities loans to FINRA. This involves ensuring that all transactions are documented accurately and submitted within the required timeframe, which is critical for compliance.”

7. How do you ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in your projects?

This question assesses your approach to compliance and risk management.

How to Answer

Explain your strategies for ensuring that projects adhere to regulatory standards throughout their lifecycle.

Example

“I ensure compliance by integrating regulatory requirements into the project planning phase. I work closely with legal and compliance teams to review requirements and implement controls, such as regular audits and documentation checks, to mitigate risks.”

Communication Skills

8. How do you handle conflicts among stakeholders during a project?

This question evaluates your conflict resolution and interpersonal skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to managing conflicts and ensuring that all parties feel heard and valued.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I facilitate a meeting where all stakeholders can express their concerns. I focus on finding common ground and encourage open dialogue to reach a consensus. This approach has helped me maintain positive relationships and keep projects on track.”

9. Can you give an example of a presentation you delivered to senior management?

This question assesses your ability to communicate complex information effectively.

How to Answer

Share details about a specific presentation, including the topic, audience, and how you tailored your message for senior management.

Example

“I presented a project update to senior management on our new compliance initiative. I used visual aids to highlight key metrics and outcomes, and I focused on how the project aligned with the company’s strategic goals. The presentation was well-received, and I was able to secure additional resources for the project.”