Nomura's Laser Digital to launch first regulated OTC desk for crypto options in Dubai

Nomura’s crypto arm gains regulatory green light in Dubai to offer institutional OTC crypto options, expanding the UAE’s footprint in global digital derivatives.

Laser Digital, the digital asset subsidiary of Japan’s investment bank Nomura, has become the first company licensed under Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) pilot framework to offer regulated over-the-counter (OTC) crypto options.

The “limited license” will allow Laser Digital to offer OTC crypto options to institutional clients under strict oversight, the company said Wednesday.

OTC desks allow institutions to trade large volumes of digital assets directly with counterparties, minimizing slippage and enabling more flexible pricing. These desks are typically used by hedge funds, asset managers, trading firms and other high-volume and institutional clients.

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