Keep up with Sony's pace! Nomura Securities' subsidiary applies for a U.S. banking license, plans to launch cryptocurrency spot trading

Nomura Securities subsidiary Laser Digital applies for a U.S. national trust bank license, planning to launch cryptocurrency spot trading. With Sony and WLF joining successively, the entry of crypto companies into the banking system has become a trend, but it has also triggered resistance from traditional banking industries.

Nomura Securities subsidiary applies for a U.S. banking license

As the regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies in the U.S. becomes more friendly, foreign media report that Laser Digital, a digital asset subsidiary of Japan’s Nomura Securities, has decided to enter the U.S. banking system.

According to the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the matter, Laser Digital has officially applied to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for a national trust bank license. Subsequently, a source also confirmed this news to crypto media**《The Block》****.**

Obtaining the license would enable nationwide operations, with plans to offer cryptocurrency spot trading

Against the backdrop of gradually easing regulations, crypto and fintech companies are actively seeking to operate under the federal banking regulatory framework.

If successful in obtaining a national bank license, Laser Digital will be authorized to operate across the U.S. without needing to apply for individual state custody licenses.

Sources reveal that, after receiving the banking license, Laser Digital does not intend to absorb retail deposits but plans to provide cryptocurrency spot trading services.

As per usual, the OCC typically issues a “conditional approval” first. The applicant must meet specific regulatory conditions related to capital, corporate governance, and compliance before obtaining the final license and officially commencing operations.

Image source: Laser Digital Foreign media report that Laser Digital, a digital asset subsidiary of Japan’s Nomura Securities, has officially applied to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for a national trust bank license.

Multiple institutions applying for licenses, Sony and Trump-related enterprises included

Japanese companies involved in entering the U.S. crypto market, besides Nomura, include Sony Group’s Sony Bank.

As early as October 2025, Sony Bank** had applied for a national bank license through its subsidiary Connectia Trust to the OCC, with plans to issue stablecoins and provide digital asset custody.**

Recently, a crypto platform related to the Trump family, World Liberty Financial (WLF), also submitted an application for a national bank license, joining the wave of seeking entry into the U.S. banking system.

Currently, several companies including Circle, Ripple, BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Paxos have received conditional approval from the OCC, and upon meeting final requirements, they can operate under federal regulation.

Related reports:
Ripple and four other companies approved! Obtaining U.S. national trust bank licenses, crypto assets entering the federal financial system

Traditional banking industry resists, concerns over regulatory arbitrage risks

However, this wave of crypto companies applying to establish banks has not received full support. The American Bankers Association (ABA) and other industry groups warned the OCC as early as July last year, arguing that issuing bank licenses to digital asset companies could raise significant policy and procedural concerns, potentially undermining the safety mechanisms of traditional banks.

Additionally, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) previously also wrote to the OCC, requesting to reject Sony Bank’s application for a national bank license, believing that the company has not adhered to the regulatory obligations typical of traditional banks, yet it can offer digital asset custody and stablecoin issuance services.

As the regulatory authority, the OCC’s next steps in facing resistance from traditional banks and considering the potential innovations brought by digital asset banks are worth watching.

Related reports:
U.S. banks resist stablecoin interest! Warning of risks from $6.6 trillion in deposits, JPMorgan speaks out in support of stablecoins