Nomura-Backed Laser Digital Seeks U.S. Crypto National Trust Bank Charter

Nomura’s Laser Digital files OCC application to operate a nationwide U.S. crypto trust bank, offering custody, trading, and staking services.

Nomura Holdings’ digital arm, Laser Digital, has filed for a U.S. national trust bank charter. The move aims to expand its institutional crypto services nationwide. The application, which was submitted to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) on January 27, 2026, puts the firm in a position to obtain a federal regulatory framework.

Laser Digital Eyes Nationwide Institutional Crypto Operations

The OCC charter would allow Laser Digital to operate throughout the U.S. without licenses from each state. However, the firm will not accept retail deposits. Instead, it will focus on institutional custody, integrated spot trading, and staking of digital assets.

Related Reading: Circle Gets OCC Approval for USDC National Trust Bank

If approved, Laser Digital National Trust Bank (LDNTB) could provide institutional clients with the custody of U.S. government securities and the management of crypto-assets. The bank would have seamless access to both fiat and crypto trading. Additionally, there would be staking services available for eligible custodied digital assets to meet growing institutional demand.

Steve Ashley, Chairman and Co-founder of Laser Digital, said, “Institutional digital asset markets are now in a new phase characterized by scale, regulation, and durability.” He highlighted the fact that the company has created infrastructures that meet the demands of demanding global institutions. Pursuing an OCC charter is Laser Digital’s long-term global aspirations.

OCC Charter Could Redefine U.S. Digital Finance

The OCC approval process usually takes up to a year and begins with preliminary approval and concludes with final authorization. The last stage involves demonstrating operational credibility and adequate capital. If successful, LDNTB would join Ripple, Circle, BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Paxos in holding a national trust bank charter.

Laser Digital’s proposed services are comprehensive, including custody of digital assets and US government securities, integrated spot trading of crypto and fiat, and staking opportunities. Retail deposits will still be prohibited. This structure is in line with federal regulations and gives institutional investors secure digital finance solutions.

The national charter permits Laser Digital to skip over individual state approval on custody. This makes it easier to comply with regulations and helps to get to market faster. Additionally, the charter enhances institutional confidence by showing commitment to federal oversight and operational standards. The approach puts LDNTB in a position to address the current and future institutional requirements.

Industry observers say the move is part of a larger trend in regulated crypto finance. As institutions continue to search for federally-compliant services, national trust bank charters offer an operational and reputational advantage.

Laser Digital’s application represents an emerging maturity in the digital asset ecosystem in the United States, bringing together regulatory trust with the scalability of infrastructure.

In conclusion, Laser Digital’s OCC application is a major move for Nomura backed crypto operations. By concentrating on custody, trading, and staking under a federal charter, LDNTB is looking to change the institutional access to digital finance. Approval could be a step forward for the long-term liquidity, security, and trust in U.S. digital asset markets.

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