CoinDesk
Nomura Holdings is weighing a sale of crypto unit Laser Digital and has held talks with potential buyers, including Marex Group, Bloomberg reported. The discussions follow a 7.4 billion yen ($46.3 million) pretax loss at Nomura's European business in the quarter ended Sept. 30, its fourth consecutive quarterly loss. No decision has been made, and Nomura could retain the unit.
Why it matters
Zurich-based Laser Digital, founded in 2022, provides crypto trading and asset management services to institutional investors and invests in crypto startups. A sale would change the ownership of a business Nomura has been developing across multiple regulated markets.
The European results do not disclose how much Laser Digital contributed to the regional loss. Nomura had also sought to reduce the unit's exposure to crypto price swings. Chief Financial Officer Hiroyuki Moriuchi said in January that the firm planned to cut trading risk while expanding asset management and custody services.
Market impact
The talks raise uncertainty around Nomura's institutional crypto strategy, even as Laser Digital pursues regulatory expansion. Its Japanese subsidiary registered as a crypto asset exchange service provider in August, initially to supply liquidity to other crypto firms.
In May, U.S. regulators granted preliminary conditional approval for a proposed national trust bank. The bank still needs final authorization before it can open.
Frequently asked questions
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Who has discussed buying Laser Digital?
Nomura has held talks with potential buyers including financial services firm Marex Group, Bloomberg reported. No decision has been made, and Nomura could retain Laser Digital.
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How much did Nomura's European business lose?
The European business posted a pretax loss of 7.4 billion yen, or $46.3 million, in the quarter ended Sept. 30. It was the region's fourth consecutive quarterly loss.
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How much did Laser Digital contribute to the European loss?
Nomura's regional figures do not disclose how much Laser Digital contributed to the loss.
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What services does Laser Digital provide?
Zurich-based Laser Digital provides crypto trading and asset management services to institutional investors and invests in crypto startups.
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What approvals has Laser Digital pursued in Japan and the U.S.?
Its Japanese subsidiary registered as a crypto asset exchange service provider in August. A proposed U.S. national trust bank received preliminary conditional approval in May but still needs final authorization to open.
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