Nomura’s Laser Digital Expands in Tokyo to Tap into Asian Markets
Laser Digital, the digital asset subsidiary of financial services giant Nomura, has established a new base in Tokyo to enhance its presence in the Far East. The company has appointed Hideaki Kudo, a former executive director at Nomura, to lead the new office in Japan. Kudo brings valuable experience from his work on various projects for Nomura, including the development of security tokens. He also served as a senior portfolio manager at Nomura Asset Management.
Nomura co-founder Steven Ashley expressed excitement about Kudo’s appointment and highlighted the value of his experience for Laser Digital’s growth and development. The decision to open an office in Japan was driven by the desire to provide 24/7 operational management support for the trading business, with Japan being the top choice due to its location in the Far East.
Expansion into Asian Markets and Recent Licensing Approval
Laser Digital’s expansion into Asian markets follows its recent approval to operate in Dubai. The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) granted an in-principle license to Laser Digital, allowing it to offer broker-dealer services and asset/fund management services for both virtual and traditional assets. However, no further details about the new Tokyo office have been provided by Nomura at this time.
Nomura’s Bitcoin Adoption Fund and Regulatory Clarity in Asia
Last month, Laser Digital introduced the Bitcoin Adoption Fund, which offers institutional clients exposure to Bitcoin (BTC). The fund provides long-only exposure and is the first of many digital asset investment products planned by Laser Digital. The custody of client assets will be handled by Komainu, a joint venture between Nomura, Ledger, and CoinShares.
In an interview with Financial News in June, Laser Digital CEO Jez Mohideen emphasized that regulatory clarity in Asia, particularly in Japan and Hong Kong, will encourage retail participation in the cryptocurrency industry. Mohideen believes that the industry has learned from failures in the United States and is poised for growth in Asia.
Hot Take: Laser Digital’s Strategic Moves to Capture Asian Markets
Laser Digital’s establishment of a new base in Tokyo demonstrates its commitment to expanding its presence in Asian markets. With the appointment of Hideaki Kudo, who brings extensive experience from Nomura, Laser Digital is well-positioned to tap into the growing demand for digital assets in Japan. The company’s recent licensing approval in Dubai further strengthens its position as a global player in the digital asset industry. By offering innovative investment products like the Bitcoin Adoption Fund, Laser Digital aims to attract institutional clients and drive retail participation in cryptocurrencies. With regulatory clarity in Asia, Laser Digital is poised for success and growth in the region.
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