Nomura’s Laser Digital Seeks License for Crypto Trading in Japan
Nomura Holdings Inc.'s subsidiary, Laser Digital Holdings AG, is preparing to enter Japan's expanding crypto market. The company plans to apply for a license with Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) to offer crypto trading services for institutional clients.
- Laser Digital, launched in 2022, offers digital-asset services like asset management and venture capital.
- The firm has a full crypto business license in Dubai and established a Japanese branch in 2023.
Japan’s Crypto Market Growth
- Crypto trading volumes in Japan doubled to $230 billion in the first seven months of 2025.
- The surge is driven by a weakening yen, rising inflation, and low interest rates, prompting investors to seek alternatives.
- Daiwa Securities Group Inc. allows clients to use Bitcoin and Ether as collateral for loans.
- Companies like Metaplanet incorporate Bitcoin into their treasury strategies.
- Financial firms such as Nomura and SBI Holdings are introducing crypto investment products and stablecoin infrastructure.
Regulatory developments include potential reforms to classify crypto as financial products, reduce capital gains tax, and support yen-pegged stablecoins. Comprehensive legislation may be proposed by 2026, further institutionalizing Japan’s crypto ecosystem.