Nomura’s Crypto Arm Laser Digital Pursues US Banking License: New Developments

Nomura-backed crypto startup Laser Digital seeks to secure a US banking license to expand its digital asset operations within the regulated financial landscape. The application is indicative of an increasing willingness among fintech and crypto firms to engage with federal oversight amid a shifting regulatory climate.

Key Takeaways

Laser Digital has submitted an application for a national bank trust charter in the US.
This move will allow the firm to operate under federal regulations rather than state-by-state approvals.
The OCC’s charter approval process can take more than a year and includes stages of conditional and final approval.
Interest in federal bank charters has surged, paralleling a more accommodating regulatory environment under the current administration.
Other companies, including World Liberty Financial and Revolut, are also pursuing similar licensing opportunities.

Laser Digital

Laser Digital’s Move Towards Regulatory Compliance

Nomura's crypto division, Laser Digital, has taken a significant step by applying for a US banking license. This initiative aims to integrate more aspects of its digital asset operations within the governed financial ecosystem. According to a report from the Financial Times, the application was submitted to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) on Tuesday, seeking a national bank trust charter. This charter would provide Laser Digital with a federal-level pathway, bypassing the cumbersome process of acquiring custody permissions on a state-by-state basis.

Spun out from Nomura in 2022, Laser Digital intends to focus on offering spot trading in digital assets through this charter. Notably, the firm has opted not to engage in direct deposit services, as outlined in the report.

The Context of Increased Charter Applications

This filing comes at a time when numerous fintech and cryptocurrency enterprises are exploring licensing opportunities, bolstered by a more favorable regulatory climate in Washington under President Trump. The rise in charter applications reflects these companies' efforts to consolidate various services—such as payments, custody, and stablecoin operations—under federal oversight.

Understanding the OCC Bank Charter Process

The process for obtaining an OCC charter typically unfolds in two main stages. It begins with conditional approval, followed by a final sign-off after the applicant demonstrates sufficient capital and operational readiness to function as a bank. This process can extend beyond a year, requiring patience and endurance from applicants.

The regulatory atmosphere has shifted compared to previous administrations, where applicants frequently encountered challenges in surpassing the initial requirements, leading some to withdraw their applications rather than endure lengthy reviews.

A Competitive Landscape for Banking Charters

Laser Digital is not alone in its ambitions. Earlier this month, World Liberty Financial, closely tied to Trump, announced that its subsidiary also filed for an OCC national trust bank charter aimed at stablecoin operations. Similarly, in Europe, fintech player Revolut has adapted its strategy, moving away from plans to acquire a US bank and instead seeking a standalone banking license within the country.

Broader Trends in Banking and Regulation

The trend toward new corporate-owned banks is gaining traction beyond merely the fintech sector. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has recently approved deposit insurance applications from automotive giants, Ford and General Motors, which paves the way for these companies to establish industrial banks in Utah.

Moreover, the OCC has also seen a transition in leadership, with Jonathan V. Gould taking the role of Comptroller of the Currency in July 2025. The statistics highlight a notable increase in applications, with Freshfields reporting that the OCC received 14 de novo charter applications for limited-purpose national trust banks in 2025, nearly equaling the total from the previous four years combined.

In conclusion, Laser Digital's pursuit of a US banking charter reflects broader shifts in the regulatory landscape, as more firms look to align their operations with federally overseen frameworks amid evolving market dynamics.