Japanese Financial Powerhouse’s Crypto Division Seeks US Banking License

Nomura’s Crypto Arm Seeks U.S. Banking License

Laser Digital, a Swiss-based digital asset company owned by Japan’s leading investment bank Nomura, has officially applied for a national trust bank charter with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). This move places Laser Digital among a growing number of crypto-focused firms aiming to secure regulatory approval from the U.S. Treasury Department.

If approved, the proposed Laser Digital National Trust Bank will specialize in digital assets, providing both custody solutions and spot trading services, according to the company’s announcement on Tuesday evening.

“Institutional digital asset markets are evolving into a new era marked by greater scale, oversight, and resilience,” stated Steve Ashley, chairman of Laser Digital and nominee for chairman of the new trust bank.

“The United States stands as the world’s premier financial hub, and we believe that the future of digital finance will be shaped by organizations ready to meet its rigorous standards,” Ashley added.

Laser Digital’s application comes as the U.S. Treasury has adopted a more open stance toward granting bank charters to cryptocurrency companies, prompting a wave of similar applications across the industry.

Wave of Crypto Firms Pursuing Bank Charters

Recently, several stablecoin providers—including Circle, Ripple, BitGo, and Paxos—have successfully obtained OCC national trust bank charters. Additionally, a bank inspired by “Lord of the Rings” and backed by Peter Thiel and Palantir’s co-founders has also received federal approval.