Nomura-backed Laser Digital wins Japan's first crypto approval in four years
Nomura-backed Laser Digital has become the first firm in four years to receive regulatory approval for crypto services in Japan. The company plans to provide liquidity and trading infrastructure to institutional investors as Japan updates its financial regulations regarding digital assets.
Why it matters
This approval signals a significant shift in Japan's regulatory environment, potentially paving the way for broader institutional adoption of cryptocurrency in the region.
The firm will initially offer liquidity services to domestic virtual-asset service providers, the company said Friday. It plans to expand into digital-asset trading opportunities for institutional investors, though a launch date and the full scope of those services have not been announced. The firm announced its plans to expand its crypto offering in Japan late last year.
Laser Digital is backed by Nomura, Japan's largest investment bank. Institutional demand for digital assets in the country is growing. A 2026 survey by Nomura and Laser Digital found that 79% of respondents planned to invest in crypto assets within the next three years.
"Japan's digital assets market is entering a new phase of maturity," said Jez Mohideen, co-founder and CEO of Laser Digital. "As institutional investors increase their interest in this asset class, there remains a need for trusted counterparties and infrastructure designed specifically for their requirements."
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