A Swiss-based digital asset firm backed by Tokyo’s financial powerhouse now wants to become a regulated American bank. The move signals that traditional finance giants see enormous opportunity in cryptocurrency’s regulatory transformation.
Laser Digital, the blockchain-focused division of Nomura Group—Japan’s premier investment banking institution—has submitted paperwork to federal regulators, seeking authorization to establish a national trust bank. The proposed entity would provide digital asset custody services and facilitate direct cryptocurrency trading for institutional clients.
Traditional Finance Embraces Crypto Banking
Steve Ashley, who chairs Laser Digital and would lead the proposed trust bank, said digital asset markets have reached a critical turning point. Institutional players now demand robust regulatory frameworks and lasting infrastructure rather than speculative ventures, he argued.
Your completely free resource hub designed to boost your knowledge of cryptocurrencies
“The U.S. represents the world’s most significant financial ecosystem, and we anticipate that organizations willing to meet rigorous standards will shape digital finance’s future,” Ashley said in a recent announcement.
Laser Digital enters an increasingly crowded field of cryptocurrency companies pursuing federal banking licenses. The Treasury Department’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has relaxed its stance toward digital asset firms considerably in recent months.
Charter Applications Surge Following Regulatory Shift
Major stablecoin operators Circle, Ripple, BitGo, and Paxos have already secured OCC national trust banking approvals. Anduril—a defense technology venture with “Lord of the Rings” branding backed by billionaire Peter Thiel and Palantir’s founders—also obtained authorization.
Industry heavyweights Coinbase, Sony, and payment giant Stripe have applications pending with regulators. The charter application boom picked up after President Trump enacted the GENIUS Act in 2025, establishing comprehensive stablecoin regulations. World Liberty Financial, the Trump family’s cryptocurrency platform, filed its charter application earlier this month.
The Laser Digital National Trust Bank would operate under federal oversight while serving institutional investors who want regulated access to cryptocurrency markets.
