Nomura explores sale of crypto unit Laser Digital: Bloomberg

Japanese financial services conglomerate Nomura Holdings is reportedly considering selling its cryptocurrency subsidiary, Laser Digital, amid ongoing losses at its European operations. The giant firm, which oversees a staggering 152.8 trillion yen ($960 billion) in assets through its investment management division, has been grappling with a series of fourth straight quarterly losses in Europe.

Nomura is said to have held preliminary discussions with potential buyers, including Marex Group, as of the latest report. The company has not yet made a definitive decision and might retain the business, according to the source. Nomura's European operations reported a pretax loss of 7.4 billion yen ($46.5 million) during the quarter ending September 30, 2026, marking their fourth consecutive quarterly loss.

While other regions reported pretax profits during the same period, the specifics of whether Laser Digital played a role in this result remain undisclosed. Notably, Laser Digital, headquartered in Switzerland, recently secured the country's first new crypto exchange license in four years, enabling the firm to broaden its institutional crypto trading services in Japan.

Established in 2022, Laser Digital offers institutional cryptocurrency trading, asset management, and venture investment services, with plans for further expansion in the United States. In May, the company received preliminary approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for its proposed national trust bank. During a January earnings call, Nomura's CFO, Hiroyuki Moriuchi, hinted at a reduction of cryptocurrency trading positions to mitigate short-term volatility while continuing to expand Laser Digital in the medium to long term.