Nomura spinoff Laser Digital applies for OCC charter

Core Viewpoint - Laser Digital, a spinoff from Nomura, has applied for a national trust bank charter to enhance its digital asset services and streamline regulatory compliance [1][2]. Group 1: Company Developments - Laser Digital plans to offer custody of digital assets and U.S. government securities, as well as spot trading and staking, but will not engage in direct deposits or trade securities [2]. - The application for the national trust bank charter aims to eliminate the need for state-by-state custody licenses, reflecting the company's strategic move to scale its operations [2]. - Steve Ashley, co-founder of Laser Digital, emphasized that the application aligns with the company's global ambitions and the importance of operating under stringent regulatory standards in the U.S. financial market [5]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has seen a significant increase in charter applications, with 18 de novo applications filed in 2025, indicating a growing interest among nonbank entities [2]. - The OCC conditionally approved national trust banking charters for five digital-asset firms in December, showcasing a trend towards regulatory acceptance in the digital asset space [3]. - Industry experts predict that the OCC will receive 25 novel charter applications in 2026, highlighting the evolving landscape of banking and the challenges to traditional banking franchise value [6].