Japan’s largest investment bank deepens its digital asset ambitions as institutions ramp up crypto exposure.
Japan’s Nomura Holdings is positioning itself to capture the country’s fast-growing institutional crypto market, with its Switzerland-based subsidiary, Laser Digital Holdings, preparing to enter Japan’s regulated digital asset space.
A Laser Digital spokesperson confirmed the firm is in active talks with Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) to apply for a crypto trading license. The goal is to serve institutional investors, including brokerages, exchanges, and asset managers.
“We are in the pre-consultation stage with the FSA, and the timing of the formal application will depend on those discussions,” the spokesperson said.
If approved, Laser Digital would launch broker-dealer services aimed at bridging traditional finance with the rapidly expanding crypto ecosystem in Japan.
Japan’s Institutional Shift Toward Digital Assets
Nomura’s move follows a clear institutional trend. Earlier this week, Daiwa Securities Group, another major Japanese brokerage, introduced a crypto lending service that allows clients to borrow Japanese yen against Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) holdings.
Laser Digital and Daiwa’s expansion comes amid a wave of optimism. According to a survey by Nomura and Laser Digital, 54% of investment managers — including family offices and corporations — plan to invest in crypto within the next three years.
“Institutional participation is no longer a question of if, but when,” said a Tokyo-based digital asset strategist, noting the region’s maturing regulatory clarity and strong investor appetite.
Japan’s Evolving Crypto Regulations
Japan’s regulators have been steadily reshaping the country’s digital asset framework. The FSA has moved to align crypto oversight with traditional securities rules while also easing tax obligations for token issuers and investors.
In August, the regulator approved the nation’s first yen-backed stablecoin, marking a major step in integrating blockchain assets into Japan’s financial system.
This regulatory progress has translated into real market growth. A Chainalysis report published in late September found that Japan’s on-chain transaction volume surged 120% year-over-year, making it the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.
Nomura’s pursuit of a crypto license through Laser Digital highlights how Japan’s legacy financial institutions are embracing blockchain as part of long-term diversification strategies.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.