This Week In Crypto Asia: Nomura Sets Its Sights on Market Entry in Japan Due to Rising Demand

Interest in crypto asset is rapidly increasing in Japan, with new entrants making their mark. Nomura Holdings, the nation’s largest investment banking and brokerage institution, is aiming to enhance its involvement in Japan’s expanding crypto industry.

The firm’s fully owned crypto subsidiary, Laser Digital, is currently collaborating with Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) to obtain authorization for providing crypto trading services to large investors in the region.

An article from Bloomberg, published on 3 October 2025, underscored comments by Laser Digital CEO, Jez Mohideen, noting that the application emphasizes Nomura’s firm confidence in the potential of Japan’s digital asset sector over the long term.

This year, Japan’s crypto market has seen remarkable growth. As per the statistics provided by the Japan Virtual and Crypto Assets Trading network Association, transaction volumes surged to ¥33.7 trillion ($230 billion) within the first seven months of the year.

Additionally, the positive momentum in Japan’s crypto market is being driven by encouraging global regulations, particularly from the US, alongside domestic reforms like tax reductions and new guidelines for crypto investment funds.

Nomura Holdings is set to broaden its presence in Japan’s digital-asset market through a subsidiary, as crypto trading heats up in the nation https://t.co/vV6z8i9JTZ

— Bloomberg (@business) October 3, 2025

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(Source: Chainalysis)

Meanwhile, cryptocurrency is gradually becoming more mainstream in Japan and is slowly making strides in the country’s traditional finance sector.

For example, Daiwa Securities, the second-largest brokerage in Japan, announced that clients at its 181 retail branches can now leverage Bitcoin and Ether as collateral to secure Yen loans.

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With A 120% On-Chain Growth, Japan Is Welcoming Institutional Crypto Trading

Credit is due, as Japan’s governmental reforms have revitalized the trading market, making it more accessible and appealing to investors.

Tax incentives and more defined regulations for crypto-centric funds are motivating a broader audience, especially younger investors and large institutions, to incorporate digital assets into their investment strategies.

This growth hasn’t escaped attention. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Japan experienced a 120% increase in on-chain transaction volume, surpassing South Korea, India, and Vietnam.

In our upcoming chapter of the 2025 Geography of Crypto Report, we discuss APAC’s emergence as the world’s fastest-growing crypto area. From India’s crypto market leadership to Japan’s regulatory changes, see how various national approaches are influencing adoption:… pic.twitter.com/TRwXN1wlWB

— Chainalysis (@chainalysis) September 24, 2025

Moreover, fresh policies that increasingly recognize tokens as investment-grade assets and the licensing of Japan’s initial Yen-backed stablecoin issuer have contributed to this expansion.

Nomura introduced its crypto branch, Laser Digital, in 2022 to provide offerings such as asset management and venture funding.

In 2023, Laser Digital attained a complete crypto license in Dubai and established a presence in Japan. Presently, it seeks approval to deliver trading services to both conventional financial entities and crypto firms, which includes exchanges running within Japan.

However, all is not perfect within Laser Digital. Earlier this year, Nomura reported a rekt in its European ventures, which the company attributed in part to Laser’s less-than-expected performance.

Mohideen had anticipated the division would achieve profitability within two years, but subsequently acknowledged that it might take longer to reach break-even.

Despite these obstacles, Nomura’s initiative in Japan indicates a firm commitment to expanding its foothold in a rapidly evolving crypto landscape.

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