Nomura’s Laser Digital backs ZIGChain for onchain private credit push in UAE

Nomura Group’s digital asset arm, Laser Digital, has made a strategic investment in ZIGChain, a UAE-based Layer 1 blockchain, to advance on-chain private credit markets in the Gulf region. While the exact investment amount remains undisclosed, it is estimated to be in the high single-digit millions. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between capital providers and borrowers in the Middle East by democratizing access to private credit through tokenized institutional vault products. ZIGChain, which also collaborates with Standard Chartered and Apex Group, intends to leverage Laser Digital’s institutional-grade risk frameworks to address execution risks in on-chain finance. The initiative specifically targets the creation of Sharia-compliant financial offerings to cater to regional market requirements. By utilizing Dubai as a central hub, the firms seek to lower barriers to entry for investors who previously faced high fees and limited access to private credit opportunities. This move signals Nomura’s continued commitment to the digital asset space despite recent internal risk adjustments and broader market volatility.