Laser Digital Seeks OCC Approval for National Trust Bank Focused on Digital Assets

Laser Digital, a subsidiary of Nomura Group, has applied to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency OCC to establish the Laser Digital National Trust Bank LDNTB . This proposed federally regulated bank aims to provide custody and spot trading services for digital assets and U.S. government securities.
The application was filed on January 27, 2026, in New York. If approved, LDNTB will cater to institutional clients across the U.S. by offering integrated services that include digital asset custody, crypto and fiat currency trading, and staking of eligible assets. However, the bank does not plan to engage in securities trading or seek depository banking services.
Steve Ashley, Chairman & Co-founder of Laser Digital and proposed Chairman of LDNTB, stated,
Institutional digital asset markets are entering a new phase defined by scale, regulation, and durability.
Purvi Maniar, Chief Legal Officer and proposed President, highlighted that the OCC s federal oversight aligns with institutional custody and fiduciary risk frameworks. The application is currently under OCC review and its approval is necessary for the bank s launch.