Laser Digital Sets Sights on Japan’s Thriving Digital Asset Market

Laser Digital Seeks Digital Asset Trading License in Japan

Laser Digital, a subsidiary of the financial powerhouse Nomura, is reportedly in discussions with Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) to secure a license that would allow it to operate as a digital asset trading entity. Based in Switzerland, Laser Digital Holdings is preparing to formally submit an application for this license, which would enable the company to offer a range of digital asset trading services specifically tailored to institutional investors in Japan.

Should this license be approved, Laser Digital will be positioned to provide broker-dealer services for a variety of participants in the country's financial ecosystem, including traditional financial institutions, cryptocurrency exchanges, and emerging digital asset firms.

Optimistic about the market, Jez Mohideen, CEO of Laser Digital, stated, “Our entry into Japan reflects optimism about the growth potential of Japan’s digital asset industry.”

Japan’s Booming Digital Asset Market

Japan is rapidly emerging as a hub for digital assets, driven by surging market interest and robust growth. According to the Japan Virtual Currency Exchange Association (JVCEA), the nation's digital asset trading volume reached 33.7 trillion yen (roughly $230 billion) in the first seven months of this year—doubling compared to the same period last year.

This escalating adoption highlights the growing confidence of investors in cryptocurrencies and other digital asset classes as legitimate avenues for portfolio diversification and long-term returns. Japan’s regulated environment and investor-friendly policies have further cemented its role as a significant player in the global digital asset landscape.

Laser Digital’s Global Expansion Amid Operational Challenges

Originally established in 2022, Laser Digital operates at the intersection of traditional finance and the digital economy, offering services such as asset management and venture capital funding within the digital asset ecosystem. In 2023, the company made headlines when it secured a comprehensive digital asset business license in Dubai. Laser Digital has also entered Japan’s market by setting up a local subsidiary to prepare for its anticipated growth in the region.

However, challenges remain. Nomura’s European operations reported quarterly financial losses, a portion of which stems from Laser Digital’s underperformance. While the company’s leadership initially projected achieving profitability within two years of its inception, CEO Jez Mohideen has recently cautioned that breaking even might take longer than expected.

Despite these hurdles, Laser Digital continues to invest in its global expansion strategy, leveraging key regional markets where demand for digital asset solutions is growing exponentially.

Nomura’s Expanding Footprint in the Digital Economy

Nomura Holdings, Laser Digital’s parent company, has steadily increased its presence in the digital asset space through its subsidiaries and strategic partnerships. Notably, Laser Digital has launched flagship products such as the Bitcoin Adoption Fund and Ethereum Adoption Fund, designed for institutional investors. These funds offer innovative opportunities like staking mechanisms to enhance yield performance.

The firm is also venturing into stablecoins by partnering with Japan’s GMO Internet Group. Together, they aim to issue yen-pegged and dollar-pegged stablecoins, with plans to deliver Stablecoin-as-a-Service solutions that incorporate blockchain infrastructure, backend support, and full regulatory compliance.

Nomura's aggressive push extends into the custodial space as well. Back in 2022, the company’s digital asset custody arm, Komainu, acquired Propine, a Singapore-based custodian firm. This acquisition underscores Nomura’s strategic efforts to enhance its Web3 capabilities, fueling speculation that more acquisitions could follow as the firm navigates the rapidly evolving digital finance landscape.

A Pivotal Market for Bridging Finance and Blockchain

As Nomura continues to expand its digital asset initiatives, Japan remains a critical focal point in its strategy to bridge traditional finance with the digital economy. The country’s growing appetite for cryptocurrencies, combined with its supportive regulatory environment, uniquely positions it as a pivotal market for innovation and investment.

By securing a foothold in Japan’s digital asset market through Laser Digital, Nomura is reinforcing its vision of aligning traditional finance with emerging technologies like blockchain, stablecoins, and decentralized finance solutions. This focus reflects the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the digital transformation sweeping the global financial sector.