Nomura-backed Laser Digital wins key approval to offer crypto services in Japan

Laser Digital Japan, the Japanese arm of Nomura’s digital assets subsidiary, has completed its registration with Japanese regulators as a Crypto Asset Exchange Service Provider, which allows the firm to begin building its institutional crypto business in the country, according to a Friday announcement.

Laser Digital Japan will focus on providing liquidity for domestic virtual asset service providers, with plans to eventually offer digital asset trading opportunities to institutional investors. The firm has not yet disclosed when those services will launch or exactly which products will be available.

The regulatory approval comes as Japanese institutions become increasingly receptive to crypto as an investment asset class. According to the 2026 Institutional Investor Survey by Nomura and Laser Digital, 65% of respondents consider crypto assets a diversification tool, while nearly 79% said they plan to invest in the asset class over the next three years.

Steve Ashley, co-founder and executive chairman of Laser Digital, said the approval underscores the company’s readiness to meet Japan’s regulatory standards as sophisticated investors seek greater access to digital assets and institutional-grade infrastructure.

“This registration reflects our ability to meet regulatory requirements in Japan, building on the track record we have established in other markets. We are fully committed to serving the Japanese market and clients with the same high standards of service we have set in other markets and look forward to actively contributing to the development of the country’s digital assets ecosystem,” Ashley stated.

Laser Digital Japan said it will maintain compliance, risk management and governance standards consistent with global practices, while emphasizing investor protection.

“Japan’s digital assets market is entering a new phase of maturity, making this an important moment for our registration approval. As institutional investors increase their interest in this asset class, there remains a need for trusted counterparties and infrastructure designed specifically for their requirements. Through our registration, we look forward to bringing Laser Digital’s global capabilities and high standards of service to the Japanese market,” Dr. Jez Mohideen, co-founder and CEO of Laser Digital, commented on the development.

The approval also marks Japan’s first new crypto asset industry registration in four years, the company stated. It comes shortly after Japan’s parliament approved legislation that would overhaul its crypto regulatory and tax framework, shifting oversight from the Payment Services Act to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.

The changes would treat crypto assets as financial products and impose rules on exchanges, issuers, investment managers and advisers, while introducing insider trading restrictions for domestic crypto markets.

The legislation also sets the stage for a 20% tax on qualifying crypto gains, compared with the current maximum rate of 55%, with the new tax regime expected to begin as early as Jan. 1, 2028.