BREAKING: Japan Issues First New Crypto Exchange License in Four Years
Nomura-backed Laser Digital has received approval to operate as a crypto asset exchange service provider in Japan — the first new license of its kind in four years.
The registration under Japan’s Payment Services Act allows Laser Digital Japan to begin operations. The firm plans to start by providing liquidity to existing licensed local crypto companies before expanding into broader institutional trading services.
The approval comes after Japan moved to reclassify crypto as a financial product, a shift that opens the door to further developments such as potential ETFs and possible tax reforms. A recent survey also showed that 79% of Japanese institutions plan to allocate to digital assets within the next three years.
After a long period of limited new entrants, the license signals that Japan is gradually reopening its regulated crypto market to well-capitalized institutional players.
A meaningful regulatory step for Japan’s digital asset sector.
Nomura-backed Laser Digital has received approval to operate as a crypto asset exchange service provider in Japan — the first new license of its kind in four years.
The registration under Japan’s Payment Services Act allows Laser Digital Japan to begin operations. The firm plans to start by providing liquidity to existing licensed local crypto companies before expanding into broader institutional trading services.
The approval comes after Japan moved to reclassify crypto as a financial product, a shift that opens the door to further developments such as potential ETFs and possible tax reforms. A recent survey also showed that 79% of Japanese institutions plan to allocate to digital assets within the next three years.
After a long period of limited new entrants, the license signals that Japan is gradually reopening its regulated crypto market to well-capitalized institutional players.
A meaningful regulatory step for Japan’s digital asset sector.
