Japan Registers Nomura-Backed Laser Digital as First New Crypto Entrant in Four Years

Nomura-backed Laser Digital has become Japan's first newly registered crypto asset exchange service provider in about four years, marking a significant milestone for the country's digital assets market.

The company will initially provide liquidity services to domestic virtual asset service providers before considering trading services for institutional investors.

Japan is preparing to bring crypto under its financial instruments framework, with new rules expected to take effect in 2027. The amended framework classifies digital assets as financial products and introduces insider-trading restrictions, annual disclosure requirements, and increased penalties for businesses operating without registration.

Laser Digital's co-founder and CEO Jez Mohideen said the Japanese market is reaching 'a new phase of maturity' as professional investors increase their exposure to the sector. The company plans to expand into institutional digital asset trading in Japan, but has not disclosed a launch date or the full range of services it intends to provide.