Nomura Unit Laser Digital Wins Registration for Japan Digital-Asset Business

Laser Digital, Nomura's digital-asset unit, has secured registration to operate a digital-asset business in Japan.

CoinDesk reported on August 21 that Laser Digital Japan, the company's local unit, obtained registration as a digital-asset exchange operator from Japan's financial regulator. Laser Digital had been seeking regulatory approval to enter the Japanese market since October 2025.

Laser Digital Japan will initially provide liquidity services to digital-asset businesses in Japan. It plans to later expand into digital-asset trading services for institutional investors. The company has not disclosed a launch date or the scope of those services.

"Japan's digital-asset market is entering a new stage of maturity," Laser Digital co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Jez Mohideen said. Growing institutional interest is driving demand for trusted counterparties and infrastructure tailored to those investors.