Laser Digital has injected capital into ZIGChain, a Layer 1 blockchain operating in the United Arab Emirates. The digital asset division of Japanese financial group Nomura aims to revamp the private credit market in the Gulf region. The exact value of the investment has not been publicly disclosed, but market participants understand it to be in the range of tens of millions of dollars. The collaboration involves more than just two parties; ZIGChain has also partnered with Standard Chartered and crypto-friendly fund services firm Apex Group to facilitate institutional adoption.
This investment decision also addresses public doubts. In February 2026, Nomura tightened risk limits within Laser Digital, a policy implemented after crypto market losses eroded the company’s quarterly profits. The market read this as a signal of withdrawal from the digital asset industry. However, Nomura denied this assumption, asserting that it remains committed to the crypto industry with a more cautious approach. The capital injection into ZIGChain serves as tangible proof of this commitment.
Breaking Down Credit Barriers
The private credit market in the Middle East has long harbored issues on both ends. ZIGChain co-founder Abdul Rafay Gadit outlined the main obstacles they face. On one side, those in need of funds struggle to obtain loans from conventional banks. On the other side, capital owners do not know where investment opportunities lie. Even if investors are aware of opportunities, the entry barriers are highly expensive, as they can only enter through large-scale fund managers that charge high fees.
Laser Digital and ZIGChain want to break down these barriers. The partnership aims to simplify the private credit market in the Gulf, including providing Sharia-compliant products. Gadit is aiming for a massive scale, noting that Laser Digital is helping them create one of the largest on-chain products ever seen in the Gulf countries.
A One-Kilometer Distance That Cuts Risk
The collaboration benefits from physical proximity. The offices of Laser Digital and ZIGChain in Dubai are separated by a distance of just one kilometer. This locational factor facilitates routine coordination between their development teams.
The primary focus of this investment is to build a mature risk and governance framework for institutional on-chain vault product pipelines. Laser Digital CEO Jez Mohideen holds a firm view on security. Mohideen believes that execution risk is often underestimated in the world of on-chain finance. To close this gap, ZIG Markets brings deep regional market understanding and a proven early track record.
The credit market in the Middle East has traditionally been the exclusive domain of top-tier institutions. ZIGChain’s presence opens a new pathway. Through on-chain recording, the costs of complex credit transactions can be reduced. Capital owners now have direct access to borrowers without having to pay high intermediary fees. As reported by CoinDesk.
Also read: What Is DeFi (Decentralized Finance)?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, not financial advice. Cryptocurrency assets are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always do your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
