Nomura Unit Laser Targets Japan’s Booming Crypto Trading Market

Originally published 3rd October 2025, Bloomberg

Nomura Holdings Inc. plans to expand in Japan’s digital-asset market through a subsidiary, as crypto trading in the country heats up.

The brokerage’s wholly owned Laser Digital Holdings AG is preparing to apply for a license to offer crypto trading services for institutional clients in Japan, Chief Executive Officer Jez Mohideen said in response to queries from Bloomberg News. The Switzerland-based unit is currently in pre-consultation talks with Japan’s Financial Services Agency, he added.

With digital assets booming off the back of US President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto policies, the value of Japan’s crypto transactions doubled in the first seven months of the year to ¥33.7 trillion ($230 billion), according to Japan Virtual and Crypto assets Exchange Association data. Anticipated overhauls in Japan, including tax cuts and pathways for crypto focused funds, are another lure for new entrants.

“Our entry into Japan reflects our optimism in the Japanese digital-asset ecosystem,” Mohideen said.

The news comes with crypto pushing further into mainstream financial services in the country. Daiwa Securities Group Inc., Japan’s second-largest brokerage after Nomura, announced earlier this week that clients at its 181 retail offices can use Bitcoin and Ether as collateral to borrow yen.

Unveiled in 2022, Laser offers a range of digital-asset services, including asset management and venture capital. It obtained a full crypto business license in Dubai in 2023 and set up a Japanese unit the same year.

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