Expanding Horizons in the Land of the Rising Sun
Laser Digital, the blockchain and cryptocurrency arm of Nomura, is making waves with its latest move. The company has officially opened a new office in Tokyo, Japan, as part of its strategic expansion efforts. This development demonstrates Laser Digital's commitment to global growth and its dedication to providing cutting-edge services in the rapidly evolving crypto industry.
Meet the New Captain
To lead its Japanese operations, Laser Digital has appointed Hideaki Kudo as the head of the Tokyo office. Kudo brings a wealth of experience to the table, having been a part of Nomura Group since 2007. In his previous role as Executive Director at Nomura's Digital Company, he was responsible for shaping the digital asset strategy and spearheading innovative projects, such as the development of security tokens and the introduction of Japan's first real estate security token. Kudo's extensive background in finance, combined with his knowledge of digital assets, positions him as an ideal candidate to drive Laser Digital's growth in Japan.
Strategic Expansion for Round-the-Clock Support
Laser Digital's decision to establish a presence in Japan reflects its commitment to providing round-the-clock support for its trading business. According to Stephen Ashley, co-founder of Laser Digital, "To optimize support for our trading business, we wanted to have round-the-clock operational oversight, so Japan, clearly, was our best choice." The company's headquarters are based in Switzerland, with additional offices in London and Dubai. This strategic move allows Laser Digital to extend its reach into the Asian market and enhance its global presence.
A Year of Success for Laser Digital
Laser Digital made its debut in the cryptocurrency landscape just last year, focusing on three core areas: venture capital, asset management, and trading. According to The Block Pro's Deals Dashboard, Laser Venture Capital has already invested in over ten crypto startups, including notable names like Orderly Network, WebN Group, and Infinity Exchange.
Expanding the Asset Management Portfolio
Last month, Laser Digital ventured into the world of asset management with a Bitcoin-only "long-only" fund. In June, the company acquired Elysium Technology Group, expanding its offering to include post-trade solutions for OTC foreign exchange and digital assets.
Dubai's Regulatory Approval
Notably, Laser Digital's Dubai division recently received approval from the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority. This full license enables Laser Digital to offer crypto brokerage and asset management services from its Dubai branch. The approval opens up exciting opportunities for the company in the Middle East market.