Laser Digital Secures Dubai’s First Regulated OTC Crypto Options License

Laser Digital, the digital asset division of Japanese financial services firm Nomura, has become the first entity to obtain a regulated license for over-the-counter (OTC) crypto derivatives trading in Dubai under the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) pilot regime [1]. The August 2025 approval enables the firm to offer regulated crypto options to institutional clients, with a focus on major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin [2]. These contracts are executed under the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) framework, ensuring alignment with traditional financial market standards and providing legal clarity and risk management [3].

The move represents a significant milestone for Dubai, which has been actively working to position itself as a global hub for digital finance. By granting Laser Digital this license, VARA is signaling a maturing regulatory environment that supports innovation while maintaining investor protection and transparency [4]. Laser Digital is the first regulated entity under VARA to provide direct client-facing OTC crypto options services, a distinction that underscores the regulatory framework’s credibility and ambition [5].

According to Johannes Woolard, Laser Digital’s Chief Product Officer, the firm’s strategy is to start with simpler, vanilla-style options to build trust and establish a solid foundation before moving to more complex structures [6]. This approach aligns with the regulatory emphasis on risk control and transparency. Woolard also noted that Dubai’s regulatory environment is both rigorous and pragmatic, allowing firms to innovate while maintaining accountability [7].

Laser Digital has indicated that future product expansions—such as lending, spot trading, and structured yield products—will be guided by market demand and regulatory feedback [8]. The firm’s phased strategy reflects a commitment to regulatory compliance and long-term institutional trust, which is crucial for the sustainable development of the crypto derivatives market.

The development highlights Dubai’s broader ambition to build a robust digital asset ecosystem. By attracting established financial institutions like Nomura, the city is reinforcing the legitimacy of crypto markets and signaling its intent to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving global digital finance landscape [9].

Source:

[1] Live (https://www.livebitcoinnews.com/laser-digital-secures-dubai-license-to-launch-regulated-crypto-derivatives-trading/)

[2] Coinstelegram (https://coinstelegram.com/news/dubai-grants-first-ever-crypto-options-license-advancing-its-role-as-a-digital-finance-hub/)

[3] AInvest (https://www.ainvest.com/news/laser-digital-launches-regulated-otc-crypto-options-dubai-vara-framework-2508/)

[4] CryptoPolitan (https://www.cryptopolitan.com/laser-digital-has-received-the-first-license-in-dubai-to-offer-otc-crypto-options/)

[5] FXStreet (https://www.fxstreet.com/cryptocurrencies/news/nomura-backed-laser-digital-wins-regulatory-nod-for-crypto-derivatives-in-dubai-202508061130)

[6] CryptoRank (https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/b3476-nomuras-laser-digital-first-to-get-dubai-otc-crypto-options-license)

[7] Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/p/DNAg-9OPsJi/)

[8] NameCoinNews (https://www.namecoinnews.com/dubai-makes-history-with-crypto-options-trading-license)