Nomura Holdings, one of Japan’s largest financial services companies, is reportedly considering selling its cryptocurrency subsidiary, Laser Digital, amid continued financial losses in its European operations.
According to Bloomberg, Nomura has held discussions with potential buyers, including financial services firm Marex Group. However, the company has not made a final decision yet and could still choose to retain the business.
This followed Nomura’s European operations reporting a pretax loss of 7.4 billion yen ($46.5 million) in the third quarter of 2026, marking their fourth consecutive quarterly loss. However, it’s not yet confirmed by Nomura whether Laser Digital was responsible for any part of the financial setback.
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All about Laser Digital
For background, Laser Digital was established in 2022 and provides institutional crypto trading, asset management, and investment services. Despite the possibility of a sale, the subsidiary has continued expanding its operations.
In fact, in August 2026, Laser Digital Japan secured the country’s first new crypto exchange registration in approximately four years, allowing it to offer institutional trading and liquidity services.
It also received preliminary approval from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in May to establish a national trust bank.
But it looks like market volatility and financial pressures may have prompted the company to reconsider its investment.
The broader market downturn explains the why behind the sell-off plans
This is because the global crypto market’s trading volume has fallen to $64.513B after a drop of 21.3% in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the Crypto Fear and Greed Index also stood at 28 in the ‘Fear’ zone at press time.
At the same time, Japan’s latest inflation data has increased expectations that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) could raise interest rates again in December, potentially creating volatility across global financial markets.
This prediction comes as the producer prices rose 7.1% in October, exceeding economists’ expectations of 6.5%.
Import prices also surged 24.8% in yen terms, largely because the weak Japanese currency has made imported fuel, raw materials and other goods more expensive.
That said, another hike in December would mark the first time since 1989 that the country has raised interest rates three times in one calendar year.
This followed the United States’ reportedly joining Japan in supporting the yen through a coordinated foreign exchange intervention, marking its first such involvement since 1998.
The intertwining between Japan and the crypto market
Needless to say, the potential rate increase could also affect Bitcoin [BTC] and US stocks through the yen carry trade. Now, though, Japan has an estimated 5 million cryptocurrency owners, but its crypto adoption remains relatively limited.
According to market estimates, Japan’s cryptocurrency market was valued at $1.69 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to $1.98 billion in 2026. It could reach $7.12 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.32% between 2026 and 2034.
This coincided with a recent report by AMBCrypto, wherein Japan’s major banking groups, including MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho, are exploring yen stablecoins and cross-border payments.
Final Summary
- In August 2026, Laser Digital Japan secured the country’s first new crypto exchange registration in approximately four years.
- Meanwhile, Japan’s latest inflation data has increased expectations that the BOJ could raise interest rates again in December.
