Japan Approves First Crypto Exchange License in Four Years for Nomura’s Laser Digital

Laser Digital Japan Receives First Crypto Exchange License Since 2022

Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has approved Laser Digital Japan, a subsidiary of financial services giant Nomura, to operate as a crypto asset exchange service provider. This is the first new crypto exchange license granted in Japan in four years.

The approval was listed on the FSA’s official registry on August 21, 2026. Laser Digital Japan plans to provide liquidity for domestic crypto markets before expanding into institutional trading services.

Key Details of the Approval

• The last crypto exchange license in Japan was issued to Binance Japan in October 2022.
• Laser Digital Japan is backed by Nomura Group, a major financial institution.
• The approval comes under Japan’s Payment Services Act (PSA), which regulates crypto exchanges.
• Japan’s parliament recently passed revisions to classify crypto assets as financial assets under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA).

What the FSA Registry Shows

The FSA’s official list confirms that Laser Digital Japan has met the regulatory requirements to operate as a crypto asset exchange. This includes compliance with Japan’s anti-money laundering (AML) and customer protection rules.

Why This Approval Matters

Jez Mohideen, co-founder and CEO of Laser Digital, stated in a press release that Japan’s crypto market is entering a “new phase of maturity.” He noted that institutional investors are showing increased interest in crypto assets, creating demand for trusted infrastructure and counterparties.

Japan’s government has also signaled its intent to integrate crypto assets into traditional financial regulations. In January 2026, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said the goal is to ensure citizens benefit from digital and blockchain-based assets.

Upcoming Regulatory Changes

Japan’s parliament passed revisions in July 2026 to classify crypto assets as financial assets under the FIEA. These changes will move crypto transaction oversight from the PSA to the FIEA, introducing stricter rules, including insider trading regulations. The new provisions will take effect within one year of their July 23, 2026, promulgation.

What Is Confirmed

• Laser Digital Japan has received FSA approval to operate as a crypto exchange.
• This is the first new crypto exchange license in Japan since October 2022.
• Japan’s government is updating regulations to treat crypto assets similarly to traditional financial assets.

What Is Still Unclear

• The exact timeline for when the new FIEA crypto provisions will take effect.
• How the regulatory shift will impact existing crypto exchanges in Japan.

Sources

• Cointelegraph
• Japan Financial Services Agency (FSA) Registry
• Laser Digital Press Release