Nomura’s Laser Digital Files for U.S. National Trust Bank Charter

Laser Digital, the digital assets subsidiary of Japanese banking giant Nomura Holdings, has filed an application for a U.S. national trust bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The move positions the firm to operate nationwide without securing state-by-state custody licenses.

The application was first reported by the Financial Times on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. A source with direct knowledge confirmed the filing to The Block.

Nomura-backed Laser Digital seeks US banking charter amid crypto firms' push onshore: FT https://t.co/QK60N2hUKs

— The Block (@TheBlock__) January 27, 2026

A federal charter would enable Laser Digital to offer custody and spot cryptocurrency trading services across the United States. The firm would stop short of accepting retail deposits under this charter structure.

The filing arrives as crypto and fintech companies increasingly seek federal banking supervision. A more permissive regulatory environment in Washington has accelerated this trend significantly.

Laser Digital Joins Wave of OCC Charter Applications

Laser Digital joins a growing list of crypto-native firms pursuing federal trust bank status. The OCC has become a focal point for companies seeking to bring trading, custody, and settlement operations fully onshore.

In December 2024, five digital asset firms received conditional approvals to become federally chartered trust banks. Ripple, Circle’s First National Digital Currency Bank, BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Paxos were all granted conditional status.

The OCC typically issues conditional approvals requiring applicants to meet capital, governance, and compliance standards before final charter issuance. Operations can only begin once all regulatory conditions are satisfied.

OCC Acting Comptroller Jonathan Gould has signaled support for crypto banking applications. His statement emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring the federal banking system keeps pace with financial evolution.

The OCC will continue to provide a path for both traditional and innovative approaches to financial services.

Gould said.

If successful applicants meet agency expectations, they will join approximately 60 regulated institutions with trust bank charters. These charters allow fiduciary activities including custody but exclude deposit and lending capabilities.

Nomura’s Global Crypto Expansion Strategy

The U.S. charter application represents Nomura’s broader push into institutional crypto markets worldwide. The Japanese financial giant launched Laser Digital in Switzerland to serve as its digital assets hub.

Laser Digital is simultaneously pursuing expansion in its home market of Japan. The firm confirmed in October 2025 that it is in pre-consultation discussions with Japan’s Financial Services Agency.

Meanwhile, Japan’s financial sector is rapidly embracing digital assets. Daiwa Securities recently launched a crypto lending service allowing clients to borrow yen against Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings.

🚨 JUST IN: LIQUIDITY ENTERING CRYPTO MARKET; JAPAN LAUNCHES DIGITAL YEN ON ETHEREUM, AVALANCHE & POLYGON !

JPYC President Noriyoshi Okabe calls it a major milestone, with 7 companies planning integration.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Financial Services Agency may review regulations… pic.twitter.com/LifuCqm8fD

— CryptosRus (@CryptosR_Us) October 27, 2025

Nomura and Laser Digital released survey data earlier this year revealing strong institutional appetite for crypto. More than half of investment managers surveyed expect to allocate to cryptocurrencies within three years.

The survey respondents included family offices, corporations, and traditional investment managers. Laser Digital executives believe this demand creates significant opportunity for licensed market entrants.

Anchorage Digital became the first federally chartered crypto bank in the United States. The company received its charter from the OCC in January 2021 and has since expanded its institutional services.

National trust banks operate under certain business activity limitations compared to full national bank charters. These restrictions prevent them from offering the same deposit and lending products as larger banking institutions.

The surge in charter applications marks a potential turning point for crypto banking in the United States. Firms that successfully navigate the regulatory process will gain significant competitive advantages in the institutional market.