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Laser Digital Japan, a subsidiary of Nomura Holdings, announced on August 21 that it has completed registration as a crypto asset exchange service provider with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau. This marks the first new registration in Japan since 2022, a gap of approximately four years. The company will initially provide liquidity to domestic crypto asset exchange operators in Japan, and subsequently consider offering trading opportunities to Japanese institutional investors. It will handle six crypto assets including Bitcoin and Ethereum. According to joint research by Nomura and the company, 65% of Japanese institutional investors view crypto assets as a diversification opportunity, and the Japanese government’s push for on-chain finance is also providing tailwinds.
Key Elements
Laser Digital Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of Laser Digital—the digital asset business arm under Nomura Holdings (8604.T)—announced on the 21st that it has completed registration as a crypto asset exchange service provider under Japan’s Payment Services Act. The registration number is Kanto Local Finance Bureau Director No. 00032. This marks the first new registration of a crypto asset exchange service provider in Japan since 2022, a gap of roughly four years.
This registration represents a key milestone in the company’s domestic market entry plan, which it has been advancing since establishing its Japanese subsidiary in October 2023. In February 2026, it was reported that the company aimed to file for registration within the year, and the process has now been completed as planned.
The company will first launch a service providing crypto asset liquidity to domestic crypto asset exchange operators in Japan, aiming to revitalize the overall market and improve liquidity. It is also considering subsequently offering digital asset trading opportunities to Japanese institutional investors. Details regarding the service launch timing and specific offerings will be announced at a later date.
According to the latest version of the crypto asset exchange service provider registration list published by Japan’s Financial Services Agency, the company’s supported assets include six cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), and Shiba Inu (SHIB).
Institutional Investor Interest Provides Tailwinds
In global markets, Laser Digital has built a track record in digital asset management, launching the “Bitcoin Adoption Fund” in 2023 and a Bitcoin yield fund for institutional investors in January 2026. In Japan as well, the company plans to provide compliance-focused services built on the risk management and governance frameworks cultivated through its global operations.
According to joint research conducted by Nomura Holdings and Laser Digital in April 2026, 65% of Japanese institutional investors view crypto assets as an opportunity for portfolio diversification, and approximately 79% of those respondents indicated plans to invest within the next three years. This growing institutional investor interest is a key factor supporting the company’s entry into the Japanese market.
Additionally Japanese investors’ digital asset holdings reached ¥4.9 trillion (approximately $30.9 billion) as of September 2025. Diversification demand from corporations, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds is driving market growth
Policy Support and Expectations for On-Chain Finance
Japan’s domestic policy environment is also providing tailwinds. The Japanese government has included “promotion of on-chain finance” in its “Basic Policy 2026,” clearly signaling support for the digital asset sector through both regulatory development and market cultivation.
Against this backdrop, the company anticipates expansion of on-chain finance, including stablecoins and tokenized assets (real-world assets securitized on blockchain). This move is seen as a strategic positioning that goes beyond spot crypto asset trading, laying groundwork for next-generation financial infrastructure built on blockchain technology.
Regarding crypto asset exchange service provider registrations in Japan, the Financial Services Agency has historically maintained strict entry screening, and no new registrations had been granted since 2022. With a subsidiary of a major financial group now completing registration, there is potential for renewed activity in new market entries going forward.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Registered entity | Laser Digital Japan |
| Registration number | Kanto Local Finance Bureau Director No. 00032 |
| Parent company | Nomura Holdings (8604.T) |
| Japanese subsidiary established | October 2023 |
| Supported assets | BTC, ETH, XRP, BCH, LTC, SHIB |
| Initial service | Liquidity provision for crypto asset exchange operators |
Note: Supported assets are based on the latest version of the Financial Services Agency’s crypto asset exchange service provider registration list.
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Source: finance.biggo.com