Nomura Reportedly Set to Offload Crypto Unit Laser Digital

Nomura Holdings, Japan's top brokerage firm, is looking into offloading its digital assets division, Laser Digital. This comes after the unit contributed to losses within the bank's European operations last year.

Throughout 2026, conventional banks have continued their push into digital assets and custody services even amid market turbulence. Therefore, a potential reversal by Nomura would catch many off guard.

What Is Driving Nomura's Consideration of a Laser Digital Sale

Laser Digital, Nomura's Zurich-headquartered digital asset arm, provides institutional clients with crypto trading, portfolio management, and on-chain credit offerings. Nomura introduced Laser Digital in 2022, right in the middle of a deep cryptocurrency downturn.

As reported by Bloomberg, Nomura has engaged in discussions with interested parties, among them Marex Group. The information comes from sources familiar with the situation.

The company has not reached a definitive conclusion yet. It might proceed with a sale to another bidder or retain the operation.

Japan’s Largest Brokerage Nomura Explores Sale of Crypto Unit Laser Digital

According to Bloomberg, Japan’s Nomura Holdings is exploring a potential sale of its crypto unit Laser Digital and has held talks with prospective buyers, including Marex Group, which is evaluating a… pic.twitter.com/VTgZJtHsvM

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) November 11, 2026

The primary motivation appears to be financial. Laser Digital recorded a loss last year amid severe cryptocurrency market fluctuations. That loss dragged Nomura's European segment into the red overall.

Furthermore, the crypto market continues to face headwinds. Bitcoin is trading approximately 40% below its all-time high, dampening trading and asset management revenue streams.

Nevertheless, the division has broadened into DeFi fixed-income products and private credit in emerging markets.

Is Nomura Abandoning Crypto?

Not exactly, but the timing is notable. In August, Laser Digital Japan secured registration as a crypto asset exchange service provider.

That represented Japan's initial new crypto registration in nearly four years.

Specifically, the license encompasses Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Shiba Inu.

Laser Digital intended to offer liquidity to Japan's licensed crypto enterprises rather than serve retail investors. As a result, a divestiture could alter Nomura's aspirations within its domestic market.

🇯🇵 Japan just approved its first new crypto license in ~4 years.

Nomura-backed Laser Digital Japan will provide liquidity to domestic crypto providers, marking another step toward deeper institutional crypto adoption.

Is Japan becoming Asia’s next major crypto hub? 👀 pic.twitter.com/vQIDYp6HGE

— Crypto Pump (@crypto_pump00) August 21, 2026

The situation also stands in contrast to the actions of European counterparts. On the same day, Deutsche Bank officially introduced crypto custody for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins.

For the time being, the final outcome is unclear. The decision will indicate whether Japan's largest brokerage views cryptocurrency as a fundamental business line or a costly venture. A sale would represent a significant withdrawal by one of Japan's most notable financial entities.