Zurich and Tokyo, 2nd October 2023: Laser Digital, Nomura’s digital asset subsidiary, is pleased to announce the appointment of Hideaki Kudo as a Representative Director and head of Laser’s new office in Tokyo.

Prior to his appointment and the launch of this new unit, Kudo was an Executive Director at Nomura’s Digital Company, responsible for its digital asset strategy, including projects such as the development of security tokens for Nomura Group and launching first real estate security token offering in Japan. Prior to the Digital Company, he was a Senior Portfolio Manager at Nomura Asset Management and has been with the Nomura Group since 2007.

 

Laser Digital was launched last autumn by Nomura and was co-founded by Steven Ashley, who previously led Nomura's wholesale division and Jez Mohideen, who was Nomura’s Chief Digital Officer and Co-Head of Global Markets EMEA. Headquartered in Switzerland, Laser Digital combines the rigor, best practices and capabilities from global investment banking with the experience of a crypto-native team.

 

Commenting on the appointment, Steve Ashley said; “To optimize support of our trading business we wanted to have 24/7 operational management, so for coverage in the far east Japan was obviously our top choice. Kudo-san’s experience at the Digital Company will be invaluable to Laser Digital’s development and growth, we are thrilled to welcome him to our team.”

Hideaki Kudo added; “It’s exciting to join Laser as they expand operations to Japan. Since 2019 I have been managing Nomura’s advancements into the digital asset space and I am delighted to now join the Laser team on their journey.”

Sophie Arnold

Head of Communications

 

Laser Digital is a digital asset business redefining the frontier of digital finance. Backed by Nomura, Laser Digital delivers scalable, robust opportunities across trading, asset management, and ventures. The team works at higher risk management standards, compliance, and commercial viability, all driven by a belief in more responsible engagement in digital assets. With an open and dynamic culture, Laser Digital has the freedom to adapt to market needs, to move swiftly to capitalisation, and to share learnings with clients and partners – bringing greater confidence to the institutional market for the benefit of all.

 

For more information, please visit: https://www.laserdigital.com