Laser Digital Japan entered the market on August 21, 2026, after receiving approval from Japan's financial regulator to operate as a crypto service provider. According to Huoxing Finance, this marks the first new digital asset entry in nearly four years - a significant milestone for Japan's cryptocurrency market. The Nomura subsidiary's Japanese subsidiary has completed registration as a crypto asset exchange service provider and will initially supply liquidity to domestic virtual-asset service providers before considering trading services for institutional investors. The company has not disclosed when the institutional offering will launch or the full range of services it intends to provide.
The registration comes after a 2026 survey by Nomura and Laser Digital found that 79% of respondents planned to invest in crypto assets within the next three years. As reported by Huoxing Finance, Laser Digital stated that the findings support its decision to build services designed for professional investors in Japan. Jez Mohideen, co-founder and CEO of Laser Digital, stated that the Japanese market was reaching "a new phase of maturity" as professional investors increase their exposure to the sector. "As institutional investors increase their interest in this asset class, there remains a need for trusted counterparties and infrastructure designed specifically for their requirements," Mohideen explained.
Japan has already reclassified cryptocurrencies as financial assets, laying the legal groundwork for future crypto asset ETFs and the implementation of a standalone tax regime, with the new regulations expected to take effect in 2027. According to Huoxing Finance, this regulatory reform represents a significant shift in Japan's approach to digital assets. The legislation also establishes a legal basis for domestic spot crypto exchange-traded funds, with the Japan Exchange Group considering local crypto ETF listings as early as 2027. Steve Ashley, Executive Chairman of Laser Digital, emphasized that global institutional investors are increasingly focusing on the digital asset market and seeking professional infrastructure that meets institutional needs.
Laser Digital was established by Nomura Holdings, one of Japan's largest investment banks, in 2022 as the investment bank expanded into digital assets and has since developed operations across asset management, trading and venture investment. As reported by Huoxing Finance, the company received a full crypto business license in Dubai in 2023 and has launched investment products including Bitcoin and Ethereum-focused funds designed for institutional investors. The company has also explored yen- and dollar-pegged stablecoins with GMO Internet Group, including services covering regulatory support, blockchain infrastructure and backend operations.
Laser Digital will initially provide liquidity services to local virtual asset providers in Japan, with future plans to launch digital asset trading services tailored for institutional investors. According to Huoxing Finance, the exact launch timeline and scope of services have not yet been disclosed. The planned investment trusts could allow Japanese investors to gain crypto exposure through conventional securities accounts once regulatory requirements are completed. Traditional financial groups including SBI, Rakuten and Nomura were already positioning for new crypto investment products before the latest law was completed, with sophisticated investors increasingly seeking digital-asset access alongside infrastructure capable of supporting institutional trading.
