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Nomura-backed Laser Digital becomes first new Japan crypto operator in 4 years
The firm will start by providing liquidity to domestic virtual-asset service providers, then intends to expand into institutional digital-asset trading later.
CoinDesk reports that Laser Digital Japan, backed by Nomura, has become the first newly registered crypto asset exchange service provider in Japan in four years.
The exchange operator said its initial offering will focus on liquidity services for domestic virtual-asset service providers, with plans to broaden into digital-asset trading for institutional investors at a later stage, though it did not name a launch date or scope.
CoinDesk notes that Japan reclassified cryptocurrencies as financial instruments in the most recent change, a move that is expected to support the legal framework for potential crypto ETFs and separate taxation of crypto assets.
The article also cites a 2026 survey by Nomura and Laser Digital showing 79.0% of respondents planned to invest in crypto assets within the next three years, as Laser Digital frames the market transition toward more institutional participation.