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

Japanese bank Nomura's crypto arm, Laser Digital, has invested in Dubai-based blockchain ZIGChain to support the launch of an onchain private credit platform for the Gulf states. The exact deal size hasn't been disclosed, but sources describe it as being in the "high single-digit millions" of dollars.

ZIGChain is a UAE-based Layer 1 blockchain that already works with Standard Chartered and Apex Group. The product, called ZIG Markets, is meant to streamline private credit markets across the Gulf, including Sharia-compliant offerings. The idea is to fix a two-sided mismatch in that market: small and mid-size business borrowers often can't access traditional bank financing, while potential lenders simply don't know these opportunities exist — while large private credit funds typically shut out smaller investors with high fees and entry barriers.

Laser is creating with us one of the largest on-chain products the Gulf countries have ever seen

— Rafay Gadit, ZIGChain co-founder

ZIG Markets brings regional depth and origination track record... to make the next generation of asset management products accessible

— Dr. Jez Mohideen, Laser Digital

• The investment is reportedly in the "high single-digit millions" of dollars
• ZIGChain already works with Standard Chartered and Apex Group
• The ZIG Markets product targets regional SMEs, including Sharia-compliant offerings

The deal fits the broader UAE tokenization trend we've been tracking: Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund Mubadala tokenized part of its $430 billion fund, and before that we covered how Standard Chartered became the first systemically important bank to launch USDC minting for institutional clients. The region is steadily building a reputation as a place where traditional financial institutions and blockchain infrastructure converge faster than in most other jurisdictions.

For Laser Digital, this isn't its first bet on niche onchain infrastructure outside classic crypto trading — the firm has been systematically investing in projects that move traditional financial products, from private credit to asset management, onto blockchain rails. Whether ZIG Markets actually solves the region's small-business capital access problem, rather than remaining a niche institutional product, will show up in how much credit actually gets originated through the platform, not in the investment announcement itself.

Nothing here should be taken as financial advice — just information to consider.