Nomura's Laser Digital Applies for U.S. National Trust Bank to Offer Crypto Custody

Why It Matters

It signals mainstream financial institutions seeking regulated crypto infrastructure, boosting institutional confidence and market liquidity.

Key Takeaways

• Laser Digital seeks OCC national trust bank charter.
• Services: crypto custody, spot trading, staking, securities custody.
• Targets institutional clients, no deposit accounts at launch.
• Joins Ripple, Circle, BitGo, Fidelity, Paxos in regulated space.
• Enhances Nomura’s global digital‑asset footprint.

Pulse Analysis

The United States is rapidly shaping a regulatory framework that allows crypto‑native banks to operate under direct federal oversight. By filing an application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Laser Digital aims to become a national trust bank—a model introduced by the OCC to blend traditional banking safety nets with digital‑asset services. This structure grants the institution access to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s supervisory tools while permitting custody of both cryptocurrencies and U.S. Treasury securities, a combination rarely seen in the market.

If the charter is granted, Laser Digital will join a select cohort that includes Ripple, Circle, BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets and Paxos, all of which have already secured trust‑bank status. The proposed service suite—crypto custody, spot trading, and staking—targets institutional investors seeking regulated exposure to volatile digital assets. By excluding retail deposit accounts at launch, the bank can focus on high‑value custodial relationships and compliance‑heavy activities, potentially accelerating liquidity provision and price discovery across major crypto markets.

For Nomura, the move extends its digital‑asset footprint beyond Asia and the Middle East into the United States, complementing its Zurich‑based operations and recent tokenized Bitcoin yield fund. A federally regulated presence could attract pension funds, sovereign wealth entities, and other large capital pools that have been hesitant to engage with unregulated platforms. As the industry matures, the ability to offer staking rewards and secure custody under a national charter may become a differentiator, positioning Laser Digital as a bridge between traditional finance and the evolving crypto ecosystem.