Dubai’s OTC crypto license regulations have reached a new milestone right now, and Nomura’s Laser Digital actually secured the first regulated over-the-counter crypto options limited license under VARA’s pilot framework. This Dubai OTC crypto license enables direct client-facing crypto OTC option services, which positions the Japanese bank’s subsidiary at the forefront of regulated crypto derivatives in the emirate at the time of writing.
EXCLUSIVE: Nomura-backed digital assets firm @LaserDigital_ has received permission to roll out crypto derivatives in Dubai. By @IanAllison123.https://t.co/jEG9DwtpBY
— CoinDesk (@CoinDesk) August 6, 2025
Dubai OTC Crypto License Spurs Nomura’s Derivatives Expansion
The groundbreaking Dubai OTC crypto license approval actually allows Laser Digital derivatives trading to commence under strict VARA crypto regulations. This represents the first time such comprehensive regulated crypto options permissions have been granted in Dubai’s rapidly expanding digital asset sector, and it’s quite significant.
Johannes Woolard, head of product at Laser Digital, is convinced about the fact that:
“Crypto has become very Dubai-centered and there is this kind of hype around people moving into Dubai and the VARA regulatory environment. It’s because Dubai does a good job. They make you justify, in a lot of detail, what you’re going to do, but then once you’ve justified it, they’re willing to give you quite a long leash.”
Also Read: Ripple Signs Crypto Custody Deal With Ctrl Alt in Dubai
Regulated Crypto Options Launch Strategy
Laser Digital will focus its derivatives operations on major crypto tokens through medium-dated options executed under ISDA agreements. The strategy emphasizes vanilla structures to establish the foundation for future expansion, which makes sense given the current market conditions.
Woolard also said:
“It’s going to be vanilla structures, nothing complicated, just to grow that simple business and ecosystem. On top of that, you can build yield enhancement things, bring in the work that we do around borrow lending, and bring in the spot franchise. But initially, just keep it simple.”
Market Impact of VARA Crypto Regulations
The successful Dubai OTC crypto license application demonstrates how VARA crypto regulations provide institutional-grade oversight while enabling innovation. This approval addresses regulatory uncertainty concerns that have limited institutional participation in regulated crypto options markets right now.
The Nomura crypto trading subsidiary’s license sets a precedent for other major financial institutions seeking similar approvals. Dubai’s emergence as a hub for Laser Digital derivatives and other crypto platforms reflects the emirate’s strategic positioning in the global digital asset space, along with its business-friendly approach.
Also Read: Dubai Partners With Crypto.com to Tokenize Real Estate
This Dubai OTC crypto license milestone strengthens confidence in regulated crypto options trading while demonstrating VARA crypto regulations’ effectiveness in attracting established financial institutions to Dubai’s growing digital asset ecosystem.
