Nomura Holdings is considering selling its cryptocurrency subsidiary, Laser Digital, after trading losses pushed its European operations into the red. Marex Group has emerged as a potential buyer and is weighing an acquisition, according to people familiar with the discussions.
Reports on November 11 indicated that Nomura has not made a final decision and could retain the business. Both companies declined to comment.
Laser Digital Expands Across Global Markets
Nomura launched Laser Digital in September 2022, with headquarters in Switzerland. Its operations cover cryptocurrency trading, venture capital and investment products.
Related: Israel Discount Bank to Launch Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading on November 26
The business has since secured regulatory approvals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Japan. In August 2026, its Japanese subsidiary registered as a crypto exchange, becoming the country’s first new market entrant since 2022.
In May 2026, Laser Digital also received preliminary conditional approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for a national trust bank charter. Further clearance remains necessary.
Trading Losses Put Business Under Review
A late-2025 crypto market sell-off affected Laser Digital’s trading business, prompting Nomura to cut its crypto positions and tighten risk limits. The losses also left the group’s European operations in the red.
Marex already provides institutional crypto services, including clearing, settlement, trade execution and financing. In June 2026, it also became a broker on Deribit.
Buying Laser Digital would give Marex access to an established crypto business with regulatory approvals across several markets. However, Nomura has yet to confirm whether it will sell the subsidiary.
Related: Deutsche Bank Launches Crypto Custody Service for Institutional Clients
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