Nomura’s Laser Digital Seeks Japan Crypto Trading License

Nomura Holdings, through its Swiss-based unit Laser Digital Holdings, is actively pursuing expansion in Japan's burgeoning digital asset market. Laser Digital is currently in pre-consultation with Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) to secure a license that would allow it to offer comprehensive trading services to institutional clients. This strategic move aims to integrate traditional finance players more deeply into the crypto landscape.

The core product Laser Digital intends to offer in Japan includes broker-dealer services tailored for institutional entities such as banks, pension managers, and existing crypto firms. Additionally, it plans to provide support for exchanges operating within the country. Beyond trading, Laser Digital's mandate encompasses asset management and venture investments in the digital asset space. The unit, which secured a full crypto business license in Dubai in 2023 and established a Japanese subsidiary the same year, is leveraging Nomura's confidence in the rapidly expanding Japanese market.

This expansion comes amidst a significant surge in Japan's crypto activity, with transaction values doubling to ¥33.7 trillion (approximately $230 billion) in the first seven months of the year, and on-chain value received jumping 120% by June 2025. Supportive policy measures, including potential tax cuts and new rules for crypto funds, are attracting both retail and institutional investors. Developments such as Daiwa Securities allowing Bitcoin and Ether as collateral for yen loans, and the licensing of a yen-backed stablecoin issuer, further illustrate the market's maturation. While Laser Digital has faced initial financial challenges, Nomura views this as a crucial long-term play to capitalize on Japan's growing institutional demand for digital asset services.

(Source: https://bitcoinist.com/crypto-in-japan-may-soon-open-wider-as-holdings-giant-pushes-expansion/)