Nomura-Backed Laser Digital Receives Japan's First Cryptocurrency License in Four Years

BlockBeats News, August 21st. The Japanese financial regulator has approved Laser Digital Japan to register as a cryptocurrency exchange service provider, making it the first new entrant to receive the license in nearly four years in Japan, signaling the accelerated entry of institutional-grade digital asset services into the Japanese market.

Laser Digital stated that it will initially provide liquidity services to local virtual asset service providers in Japan and plans to further launch digital asset trading services for institutional investors in the future, with specific launch timing and business scope yet to be announced.

Laser Digital is backed by Nomura Holdings, one of Japan's largest investment banks. Jez Mohideen, Co-Founder and CEO of the company, stated that the Japanese digital asset market is entering a new stage of development, with increasing interest from institutional investors, and the market needs more reliable counterparties and infrastructure.

Previously, a survey of institutional investors released by Nomura and Laser Digital showed that 79% of respondents plan to invest in cryptocurrency in the next three years.

This regulatory approval comes as Japan is advancing cryptocurrency regulatory reforms. Japan has previously reclassified cryptocurrency as a financial asset, laying the legal groundwork for the future launch of cryptocurrency ETFs and the implementation of a standalone tax system, with the new regulations expected to take effect in 2027. Steve Ashley, Chairman of Laser Digital, stated that global institutional investors are increasingly focusing on the digital asset market and seeking professional infrastructure that meets institutional needs.