TLDR:
- Laser Digital Japan is the first new registered crypto exchange in Japan since 2022
- The firm will first serve liquidity needs for domestic virtual asset providers
- Nomura survey shows 65% of investors see crypto as a diversification tool
- Nearly 79% of surveyed institutions plan to invest in crypto within three years
Laser Digital Japan has become the first new firm to receive crypto asset exchange registration in Japan in four years.
The Nomura-backed company received approval to operate as a Crypto Asset Exchange Service Provider under Japan’s Payment Services Act.
Laser Digital Japan will initially provide liquidity services to domestic virtual asset service providers before expanding into institutional trading.
The approval arrives as Japanese institutional investors show growing interest in digital assets as a portfolio diversification tool.
Regulatory Approval Marks Major Milestone
Laser Digital Japan Co., Ltd. completed its registration process on August 21, 2026. The company is now authorized to operate under Japan’s Payment Services Act.
This marks the newest entry into Japan’s crypto asset industry since 2022. Regulators reviewed the firm’s risk management and governance frameworks in detail.
Steve Ashley, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Laser Digital, commented on the registration. He said, “As institutional appetite for digital assets grows across global markets, sophisticated investors are increasingly looking for access and the necessary quality of infrastructure behind it.”
Ashley added, “This registration reflects our ability to meet regulatory requirements in Japan, building on the track record we have established in other markets.”
Dr. Jez Mohideen, Co-founder and CEO of Laser Digital, described the moment as an important one for the firm. “Japan’s digital assets market is entering a new phase of maturity, making this an important moment for our registration approval,” he said.
Mohideen added, “There remains a need for trusted counterparties and infrastructure designed specifically for their requirements.”
Hideaki Kudo, Representative Director and Head of Laser Digital Japan, called the approval a key step forward. “Completing the rigorous regulatory review process marks an important milestone in our roadmap to serve the Japanese market,” Kudo said. He added that the firm remains committed to a strong compliance and investor protection framework.
Institutional Interest in Digital Assets Grows
Laser Digital Japan plans to first support liquidity for domestic virtual asset service providers. The company will later launch trading services aimed at institutional investors.
Details about the launch date and service scope have not yet been announced. The company plans to share further details in the coming months.
Japan has spent four years introducing regulatory reforms across its digital asset sector. These reforms include new rules covering stablecoins.
Japan also reclassified crypto assets as financial instruments, which could support future products such as crypto ETFs.
The 2026 Institutional Investor Survey, published jointly by Nomura and Laser Digital, found stronger sentiment toward digital assets.
About 65% of respondents view crypto assets as an opportunity for portfolio diversification. Nearly 79% of those respondents said they plan to invest within three years.
The survey also found that investor concerns are shifting toward more practical issues. These concerns include questions around custody, compliance and market infrastructure.
Laser Digital Japan’s registration comes at a time when institutional demand for structured access continues to rise.
