Nomura’s Laser Digital Enters Japan as First New Crypto Player

Laser Digital Japan secures regulatory approval to offer liquidity and institutional trading for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP after a four-year hiatus.

The company will initially provide liquidity to local crypto operators, with plans to offer digital asset trading to institutional investors at a later stage.

Japan Opens the Door to First New Player in Four Years

The registration of Laser Digital Japan follows a prolonged period during which strict requirements from Japanese regulators effectively halted the entry of new market participants.

The firm is now registered as a Crypto Asset Exchange Service Provider under the Payment Services Act. The registration was completed with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau under number 00032.

Rather than launching a platform for retail investors immediately, Laser Digital is adopting an infrastructure-focused approach. The first phase involves providing liquidity to virtual asset service providers already operating within the country.

This move is expected to improve local market depth and facilitate the execution of larger orders, which is a critical requirement for institutional participants.

The subsequent step will involve offering direct digital asset trading opportunities to Japanese institutional investors. The company has not yet announced the specific launch date or the full scope of this upcoming service.

Bitcoin and Ethereum Among Six Supported Assets

The registration covers six crypto assets in accordance with the current list provided by Japan’s Financial Services Agency.

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Ethereum (ETH)
• XRP
• Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
• Litecoin (LTC)
• Shiba Inu (SHIB)

This selection prioritizes established and liquid tokens over a broader range of smaller cryptocurrencies. This aligns with Laser Digital’s institutional strategy, where risk control and regulatory compliance carry more weight than the total number of available assets.

Institutional Demand in Japan is Growing

Nomura has another clear reason for expanding its crypto business at this time.

A 2026 survey conducted by Nomura and Laser Digital among Japanese institutional investors revealed that 65% view crypto assets as a portfolio diversification opportunity. Furthermore, nearly 79% plan to invest in the sector over the next three years.

This group includes asset management firms, financial institutions, and other professional investors whose access to crypto depends on more than just price. Counterparty risk, liquidity, custody, and the provider’s regulatory status are considered equally vital factors.

This is where the connection to Nomura gives Laser Digital a unique position compared to typical crypto exchanges. The company can leverage infrastructure and risk management practices built around traditional capital markets.

Japan’s Crypto Market Regulation is Also Evolving

The approval comes as Japan reshapes its treatment of digital assets.

The country is taking steps to transition cryptocurrencies toward the “Financial Instruments and Exchange Act” framework, bringing them closer to traditional financial products from a regulatory standpoint. The new structure includes stricter rules for market conduct and establishes a foundation for broader participation by traditional financial institutions.

This makes the timing of Laser Digital’s entry particularly significant. Nomura is building a regulated infrastructure before the country’s institutional crypto market reaches a larger scale.

Laser Digital Expands Nomura’s Global Model

Japan is not the first market where Laser Digital has established a regulated digital asset business. The company operates across asset management, trading, and investment, having launched a “Bitcoin Adoption Fund” for institutional investors in 2023.

In Japan, however, the strategy begins with liquidity. This allows Laser Digital to build relationships with local operators before expanding services directly to institutions.

The registration itself does not mean the institutional platform will begin operations immediately. The next milestone will be the announcement of specific dates, products, and terms under which Japanese professional investors will gain direct access to Laser Digital’s services.

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