Nomura’s Laser Digital Targets Japan’s Booming Institutional Crypto Market

Nomura Holdings is strategically increasing its presence in Japan’s burgeoning cryptocurrency market through its Switzerland-based unit, Laser Digital Holdings. This expansion is driven by a significant uptick in crypto trading activity across the country. Laser Digital is currently in pre-consultation with Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) to secure a license, aiming to provide trading services to institutional clients such as banks, pension managers, and crypto firms, and to support existing Japanese exchanges. This initiative signifies a broader trend of traditional finance players integrating into the digital asset space.

Jez Mohideen, Laser’s CEO, expressed confidence in Japan’s digital asset landscape, noting that the unit, established in 2022 and already holding a full crypto business license in Dubai since 2023, set up a Japanese subsidiary the same year. The benefits of this push are evident in Japan’s surging crypto market; the Japan Virtual and Crypto Assets Exchange Association reported that crypto transaction values reached ¥33.7 trillion (approximately $230 billion) in the first seven months of the year, effectively doubling the previous pace. On-chain value received also saw a 120% jump in the 12 months leading to June 2025, outperforming other Asian markets. This growth is partly attributed to supportive policy steps, including potential tax cuts and new regulations for crypto funds, which are attracting both younger retail investors and larger institutional entities.

Further examples of mainstream adoption include Daiwa Securities allowing clients to use Bitcoin and Ether as collateral for yen loans, and a yen-backed stablecoin issuer gaining a license, enhancing tools for traders. However, risks persist, particularly regarding the profitability of new entrants. Laser Digital itself has faced early losses, contributing to a quarterly loss for Nomura in Europe, and its CEO has acknowledged that achieving profitability might take longer than initially projected. While Nomura’s expansion is a clear long-term strategic play, the short-term returns remain uncertain, largely dependent on the sustained growth of institutional capital flows and the clarity of evolving regulatory frameworks. This highlights the inherent volatility and nascent nature of the institutional crypto market despite its rapid expansion.

(Source: https://bitcoinist.com/crypto-in-japan-may-soon-open-wider-as-holdings-giant-pushes-expansion/)

Japan’s progressive regulatory framework positions the country as a leader in adopting digital monetary systems for institutional investment purposes.

Japan’s progressive regulatory framework has positioned the country as a leader in adopting digital monetary systems for institutional investment purposes.