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Key Takeaways
Laser Digital, Nomura’s crypto arm, is launching a regulated crypto options trading desk in Dubai’s DIFC under DFSA oversight.
The move aims to meet rising institutional demand for sophisticated and compliant crypto derivatives.
Dubai continues strengthening its position as a global hub for regulated digital asset services.
Nomura’s digital assets subsidiary, Laser Digital, is expanding its footprint in the Middle East by launching a regulated crypto options trading desk in Dubai.
Overview
On August 6 2025, the company revealed that limited access will enable Laser Digital to offer over-the-counter (OTC) crypto options to institutional clients under strict oversight. The move marks a significant milestone for the traditional finance-backed digital asset firm as it seeks to meet the rising demand for sophisticated crypto derivatives in a regulated environment.
The options desk will be based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This aligns with Dubai’s broader ambition of becoming a global hub for digital assets, supported by clear and progressive regulatory frameworks.
Laser Digital, launched by Nomura in 2022 to spearhead its digital assets strategy, has been steadily expanding its services. The firm offers crypto spot and derivatives trading, asset management and venture capital services. Introducing a regulated options desk is expected to attract institutional investors looking for hedging tools and enhanced trading strategies within a compliant framework.
Institutional Demand Drives Sophistication in Crypto Markets
The launch of the options desk reflects the growing demand among institutional players for regulated crypto derivatives. Investors increasingly look beyond basic spot trading as the crypto market matures and turn to more advanced tools like options to manage risk and leverage positions.
Options allow traders to buy or sell assets at predetermined prices within a specific time frame. This strategy is commonly used in traditional finance and has become more popular in crypto markets as volatility remains a defining feature of digital assets. Laser Digital’s offering will enable clients to hedge against price swings in top digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), or to implement complex trading strategies.
Sebastian Guglietta, Head of Laser Digital’s Asset Management unit, emphasised that the move supports the company’s vision of bridging traditional finance and digital assets. Guglietta said,
“We are responding to the demand from institutions for robust, regulated products that allow them to manage risk in crypto markets just as they do in equities or commodities.”
The firm has already seen demand for OTC derivatives from clients across Europe and Asia, and the Dubai expansion will provide broader access to Middle Eastern investors and institutions. By operating under DFSA regulations, Laser Digital ensures it meets international standards on transparency, investor protection, and risk management.
Dubai Solidifies Its Role as a Global Crypto Hub
Laser Digital’s decision to establish its crypto options desk in Dubai highlights the emirate’s growing stature in the global digital asset landscape. Over the past two years, Dubai has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework tailored to virtual assets, spearheaded by authorities like the DFSA and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
These regulatory advances have attracted a wave of crypto firms, from global exchanges to investment funds, all seeking a compliant base of operations. For Nomura, Dubai offers a strategic location bridging Europe, Asia, and Africa, along with a regulatory regime that supports innovation while maintaining oversight.
With the launch, Laser Digital joins a select group of institutions offering regulated crypto options trading globally. The firm’s presence in DIFC is expected to deepen liquidity in regional markets and further institutionalise crypto trading across the Middle East. Moreover, Dubai’s supportive environment and forward-thinking regulatory policies make it a safe and attractive destination for crypto-native and traditional finance firms.
As competition heats up globally to attract digital asset businesses, Dubai’s early investments in regulatory clarity are beginning to pay dividends. The launch of Laser Digital’s regulated crypto options desk in Dubai signals another step toward institutionalising digital asset markets.
With backing from a central global bank, a robust regulatory environment, and increasing demand for crypto derivatives, the move is poised to strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a leading hub for regulated digital finance. For Laser Digital, it opens the door to further expansion and innovation in a market increasingly shaped by institutional needs and regulatory certainty.