Woofun AI reports that Laser Digital has secured registration as a crypto asset exchange service provider in Japan, marking the first such approval for a new entrant in four years. This regulatory milestone coincides with the nation's preparation to integrate digital assets into its financial-instruments framework, with the firm backed by Nomura, Japan's largest investment bank. Key executives Jez Mohideen and Steve Ashley oversee the strategic expansion into this newly regulated market.

The company announced on Friday that it will initially provide liquidity services to domestic virtual-asset service providers, laying the groundwork for future institutional offerings. Although a specific launch date and full scope for digital-asset trading opportunities for institutional investors remain unannounced, the firm revealed its expansion plans late last year.

Woofun AI data shows that institutional demand is surging, with a 2026 survey by Nomura and Laser Digital indicating that 79% of respondents plan to invest in crypto assets within the next three years.

Structurally, the regulatory landscape shifted a month ago when Japan reclassified cryptocurrencies as financial instruments, establishing the legal basis for potential crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and separate taxation of crypto assets. This reclassification represents a significant departure from previous oversight models, aligning digital assets with traditional securities regulations. The new rules are expected to take effect in 2027, providing a clear timeline for compliance and market adaptation.

Jez Mohideen, co-founder and CEO, stated that "Japan's digital assets market is entering a new phase of maturity," emphasizing the need for trusted counterparties and infrastructure designed specifically for institutional requirements. Steve Ashley, co-founder and executive chairman, noted that the timing reflects a broader global shift, as "Sophisticated investors are increasingly looking for access and the necessary quality of infrastructure behind it." This marks a critical juncture for institutional adoption in the region.