Nomura’s digital asset subsidiary Laser Digital appoints Hideaki Kudo to lead Japan operation
“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.”
Laser Digital, the digital asset subsidiary of financial heavyweight Nomura, has made headlines with the appointment of Hideaki Kudo as its Representative Director. Kudo is set to spearhead the operations of Laser’s newly minted office in Tokyo.
This isn’t Kudo’s first rendezvous with digital assets. Before this notable appointment, he served as an Executive Director at Nomura’s Digital Company, where he masterminded the firm’s digital asset strategies.
Under his leadership, the team undertook pioneering projects like the creation of security tokens for Nomura Group and launched Japan’s first real estate security token offering.
Kudo’s association with the Nomura Group isn’t recent; he has been an integral part of the firm since 2007, having previously held a significant position as a Senior Portfolio Manager at Nomura Asset Management.
Laser Digital co-founded by Steven Ashley and Jez Mohideen
Laser Digital, which debuted last autumn, is Nomura’s strategic venture into the digital asset realm. Co-founded by Steven Ashley, the former head of Nomura’s wholesale division, and Jez Mohideen, previously Nomura’s Chief Digital Officer and Co-Head of Global Markets EMEA, the subsidiary merges the meticulousness of global investment banking with the dynamism of a crypto-native team. With its headquarters nestled in Switzerland, Laser Digital’s expansion into Tokyo marks its growing influence in the financial domain.
“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”, said Steve Ashley.
“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”, Hideaki Kudo added.
The Tokyo office’s inauguration and Kudo’s appointment underscore Laser Digital’s commitment to expanding its digital asset footprint across the globe, reinforcing its position in the financial sector.
