Nomura’s Laser Digital Invests in ZIGChain to Enhance Private Credit in the UAE

Nomura Enhances Private Credit with ZIGChain Partnership

Nomura Group’s Laser Digital, the company’s digital assets arm, has announced a strategic partnership with ZIGChain, a blockchain platform based in the UAE. This collaboration aims to enhance the accessibility of private credit markets across the Gulf States, with a focus on Sharia-compliant investment options.

Investment Details

Although the exact financial commitment remains undisclosed, reports indicate that Laser Digital’s investment in ZIGChain is in the high single-digit millions.

Shared Vision for Financial Accessibility

Following initial discussions between Laser Digital CEO Jez Mohideen and ZIGChain co-founder Abdul Rafay Gadit, both firms identified a common goal of improving access to financial services through cryptocurrency and tokenization. The proximity of their offices in Dubai – just one kilometer apart – has facilitated this collaboration.

Addressing Market Gaps

Gadit highlighted pressing dual issues in the private credit market: those in need of funding struggle to secure it from traditional banks, while investors often remain unaware of available opportunities, which are typically accessible only through large funds with high fees. “We are democratizing that,” Gadit stated, emphasizing the initiative’s goal to make private credit more widely available.

Institutional Standards and Risk Management

Dr. Jez Mohideen expressed that while the potential in onchain finance is significant, the risks associated with its execution have been consistently underestimated. “ZIG Markets brings regional depth and an origination track record,” he explained, adding that their role as a partner is to uphold stringent institutional risk frameworks applicable across their offerings.

The partnership indicates a commitment to delivering institutional-grade onchain products, with a comprehensive risk governance framework to support investors moving significant capital. This collaboration seeks to set new standards in the emerging landscape of private credit in the region.