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Nomura’s crypto-focused subsidiary, Laser Digital, has filed an application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to establish Laser Digital National Trust Bank (LDNTB), a proposed federally regulated national trust bank dedicated to digital assets. Announced on January 27, 2026, this move aims to deepen Laser Digital’s institutional presence in the U.S. by providing regulated custody and trading services.
Details of the Application
The de novo charter application seeks federal oversight for LDNTB to offer digital asset custody, integrated spot trading of cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies, and staking for eligible custodied assets. Laser Digital has no current plans to accept deposits or engage in securities trading under this framework. The OCC process involves two stages: conditional approval followed by final authorization after demonstrating capital and operational readiness, which can take over a year.
Strategic Rationale
A national trust charter provides a federal pathway, avoiding state-by-state custody licensing hurdles and offering clearer regulatory compliance. This appeals to institutional clients seeking familiar, supervised structures for digital asset engagement. Laser Digital, backed by Nomura since its 2022 spin-out, already holds approvals in jurisdictions like Switzerland, Dubai, and the UAE, and focuses on trading, asset management, and ventures in the on-chain economy.
Industry Implications
– **U.S. Crypto Market**: Adds to a wave of charter applications (14 de novo trust bank filings in 2025, including from Circle-linked, Ripple, BitGo, Fidelity, Paxos, and others), potentially boosting institutional confidence through enhanced oversight.
– **Investors and Institutions**: Could enable new, regulated products like secure custody and trading access.
– **Competitors**: Intensifies pressure on traditional and crypto firms to pursue similar integrations amid a permissive regulatory shift.
Laser Digital’s OCC application marks a significant step in bridging traditional finance and digital assets. If approved, it could solidify Nomura’s role in regulated crypto services, accelerate institutional adoption in the U.S., and reflect broader trends toward compliant, scalable on-chain participation.
