Nomura explores sale of crypto unit Laser Digital after losses hit European business

Japan's largest brokerage Nomura Holdings is reportedly in talks to sell its crypto subsidiary Laser Digital Holdings after losses at the business pushed the Japanese brokerage's European operations into a quarterly deficit, according to a Wednesday report from Bloomberg.

Potential Buyers

The company has held discussions with potential buyers, including Marex Group, which is evaluating a possible acquisition. No final decision has been reached, and Nomura could sell Laser Digital to another buyer or retain the business.

Market Challenges

The discussions follow significant losses at Laser Digital amid volatile crypto markets, prompting Nomura's management to tighten risk controls. The potential sale comes amid a prolonged crypto market downturn, with Bitcoin trading below $74,000 on Wednesday, more than 40% below its peak.

Japan's crypto transaction volume, including margin trading, fell by more than half to ¥17.2 trillion ($108.5 billion) during the first nine months of 2026, according to industry association data.

Expansion Despite Losses

Founded in 2022 and based in Zurich, Laser Digital provides institutional crypto trading, asset management and venture capital investments. Despite the losses, the company has continued expanding its institutional operations.

Laser Digital recently secured a crypto exchange license in Japan and received conditional approval from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in May to establish a national trust bank that would provide custody and administration services for digital assets.