Japan approves first new crypto exchange in four years for Nomura-backed Laser Digital

Laser Digital Japan secures first crypto exchange approval in four years

Laser Digital Japan, a subsidiary of Nomura-backed Laser Digital, has become the first new company in four years to receive approval as a crypto asset exchange service provider in Japan. This registration allows the firm to operate legally in the country’s digital asset market.

The approval comes as Japan prepares to reclassify cryptocurrencies under a new financial-instruments framework. Laser Digital Japan will initially provide liquidity services to domestic crypto service providers, with plans to expand into institutional trading services later.

What the approval means for Laser Digital

• First new crypto exchange registration in Japan since 2022.
• Will start by offering liquidity services to local crypto providers.
• Plans to expand into institutional digital asset trading, though no launch date has been set.
• Backed by Nomura, Japan’s largest investment bank.

Japan’s changing crypto regulations

Japan recently reclassified cryptocurrencies as financial instruments. This legal change paves the way for potential crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and new tax rules for digital assets, set to take effect in 2027.

A 2026 survey by Nomura and Laser Digital found that 79% of institutional investors in Japan plan to invest in crypto assets within the next three years. This growing interest is seen as a key driver for the expansion of crypto services in the country.

What Laser Digital leaders say

Jez Mohideen, co-founder and CEO of Laser Digital, stated: "Japan's digital assets market is entering a new phase of maturity. As institutional investors increase their interest in this asset class, there remains a need for trusted counterparties and infrastructure designed specifically for their requirements."

Steve Ashley, co-founder and executive chairman, added: "Sophisticated investors are increasingly looking for access and the necessary quality of infrastructure behind it."

What is confirmed

• Laser Digital Japan has received registration as a crypto asset exchange service provider.
• The firm is backed by Nomura, Japan’s largest investment bank.
• Japan reclassified cryptocurrencies as financial instruments in July 2026.
• New tax rules for crypto assets are expected to take effect in 2027.

What is still unclear

• The exact launch date for Laser Digital Japan’s institutional trading services has not been announced.
• The full scope of services the firm plans to offer remains unspecified.

Why this matters for Japan’s crypto market

This approval signals a potential shift in Japan’s crypto industry, which has seen limited new entrants in recent years. The reclassification of crypto as financial instruments and the expected tax changes could attract more institutional investors. Laser Digital’s entry may also increase competition and improve services for crypto users in Japan.

Sources

• CoinDesk
• Laser Digital