Nomura’s Laser Digital Files for US Bank Charter; Institutional Race Heats Up

Nomura’s digital assets arm, Laser Digital, has filed a de novo application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to establish a national trust bank. If approved, the charter would allow the Japanese banking giant to bypass state-by-state licensing, offering crypto custody and spot trading under direct federal supervision.

The Specifics

The proposed entity, Laser Digital National Trust Bank (LDNTB), aims to service institutional clients with custody, settlement, and staking for "eligible" digital assets. According to the filing, LDNTB will not take deposits or issue loans, a strategic omission likely designed to streamline the approval process by reducing balance sheet risk.

"The National Trust Bank framework provides… a clear, federally overseen model that aligns closely with how institutions already manage custody, trading, and fiduciary risk," said Purvi Maniar, Laser Digital’s Chief Legal Officer.

The Trump Effect

The filing arrives amidst a regulatory thaw. Under the current administration, the OCC received 14 de novo charter applications in 2025 alone, nearly matching the total from the prior four years combined. Laser Digital joins a crowded field of applicants, including the Trump-affiliated World Liberty Financial and fintech unicorn Revolut, all vying for the "holy grail" of US regulatory status: federal preemption.

Market Reaction

While the move signals long-term infrastructure maturation, immediate market impact was muted. Nomura Holdings (NMR) traded flat at $9.12 (-0.33%), reflecting the timeline reality: OCC charter approvals are a two-stage process often exceeding 12 months.