Nomura-Backed Laser Digital Secures Historic Crypto Exchange Registration in Japan
Laser Digital Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of Nomura-backed Laser Digital, has become the first new cryptocurrency exchange service provider to register in Japan in four years. The company received digital asset exchange operator registration from Japan's financial regulator on January 21st. This development marks a significant milestone for the firm as it pursues entry into the Japanese market.
Laser Digital plans to initially provide liquidity supply services to virtual asset service providers in Japan, with an eye to expanding into digital asset trading services targeting institutional investors in the future. The company's co-founder and CEO Jez Mohideen said that Japan's digital asset market is entering a new phase of maturity.
The registration comes as Japan has reclassified cryptocurrencies as financial products, paving the way for potential cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and separate taxation. According to a joint survey by Nomura and Laser Digital in 2026, 79% of respondents said they plan to invest in cryptocurrency assets within the next three years.