Laser Digital, the digital asset management arm of Nomura, announced the inauguration of a new office in Tokyo as part of an ambitious global expansion strategy. Leading this strategic move is Hideaki Kudo, who has been appointed as the Representative Director and Head of Laser Digital’s Japanese operations, Laser Digital said in a statement.
Kudo expressed his excitement about the new role: “It’s exciting to join Laser as they expand operations to Japan. Since 2019, I have been managing Nomura’s advancements into the digital asset space, and I am delighted to now join the Laser team on their journey.”
Earlier this year, Laser Digital bolstered its venture capital arm by appointing industry veteran Florent Jouanneau as a new partner.
The Zurich-headquartered Laser Digital, launched by Nomura in 2022 and led by Co-Founders Steven Ashley and Jez Mohideen, emphasizes 24/7 operational management to optimize support for their trading business.
Kudo’s extensive experience at the Nomura Digital Company is expected to be a valuable asset for Laser Digital’s development and growth as it expands into Japan, setting its sights on the Far East.
The move aligns with a broader trend of crypto companies seeking growth opportunities in Asia. The crypto ecosystems in Japan and Hong Kong offer optimism for significant regional growth. Regulatory clarity in Asia and the Middle East is deemed crucial. Laser Digital secured a crypto license from Dubai’s virtual asset regulatory authority in August and an in-principle approval from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) last month.
