In a landmark move, Japan has officially ended its 4‑year regulatory freeze on cryptocurrencies by granting Laser Digital – the digital asset arm of Nomura – the first new crypto exchange license in the country since 2022.
The newly licensed entity will initially supply liquidity to domestic licensed crypto firms, with plans to later expand into institutional trading, paving the way for banks and investment funds to enter the market in a regulated environment.
This decision follows Japan’s recent shift to classify crypto as a financial product, which opens the door for ETFs and tax reforms – potentially attracting a wave of new capital.
According to recent surveys, 79% of Japanese institutions plan to purchase crypto assets within the next three years, signalling strong confidence in the sector's long‑term outlook.
Analysts believe Japan could now emerge as a new global crypto hub, competing with Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai in attracting digital asset businesses and institutional investors.