Laser Digital opens Japan office, appoints Hideaki Kudo as head

October 02, 2023 - Laser Digital, Nomura’s digital asset subsidiary, has announced the appointment of Hideaki Kudo as a Representative Director and head of Laser’s new office in Tokyo.

Previously, Kudo was an Executive Director at Nomura’s Digital Company, responsible for its digital asset strategy, including projects such as developing security tokens for Nomura Group and launching Japan's first real estate security token offering.

Headquartered in Switzerland, Laser Digital combines global investment banking rigor and capabilities with a crypto-native team. Laser Digital was launched last autumn by Nomura and was co-founded by Steven Ashley, who previously led Nomura's wholesale division and Jez Mohideen, who was Nomura’s Chief Digital Officer and Co-Head of Global Markets EMEA.

Commenting on the appointment, Steve Ashley said; “To optimize support of our trading business we wanted to have 24/7 operational management so for coverage in the far east Japan was obviously our top choice. Kudo-san’s experience at the Digital Company will be invaluable to Laser Digital’s development and growth, we are thrilled to welcome him to our team.”

Hideaki Kudo added; “It’s exciting to join Laser as they expand operations to Japan. Since 2019 I have been managing Nomura’s advancements into the digital asset space and I am delighted to now join the Laser team on their journey.”