Nomura’s dedicated digital asset subsidiary, Laser Digital, has achieved a regulatory milestone by becoming the first company licensed under Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) pilot framework to offer over-the-counter (OTC) cryptocurrency options.
This landmark licensing enables Laser Digital to provide regulated OTC crypto options trading to institutional clients. OTC desks facilitate large-volume cryptocurrency transactions executed directly between parties, minimizing market impact and slippage often associated with trading substantial orders on traditional exchanges.
The approval underscores Dubai’s commitment to establishing a clear and structured regulatory environment for digital assets through VARA. This framework enhances the United Arab Emirates’ position within the global cryptocurrency market by providing legal certainty for institutional participation.
Laser Digital’s OTC service method aims to offer significant advantages to institutional clients, allowing them to execute sizable cryptocurrency option trades efficiently while mitigating adverse price movements in the spot market.