Nomura-Backed Laser Digital Launches Bitcoin Income Fund Amid Extreme Fear

VADODARA, January 22, 2026 — Laser Digital, the Nomura-backed cryptocurrency trading firm, has launched a Bitcoin income fund targeting returns exceeding BTC's spot performance. This latest crypto news arrives as the Crypto Fear & Greed Index hits extreme fear levels at 20/100, creating a potential liquidity grab opportunity for institutional players. According to CoinDesk's reporting, the fund employs carry trading, arbitrage, lending, and options strategies to generate yield, with custody handled by Komainu—a joint venture of Nomura, CoinShares, and Ledger.

Market Context & Background

Market structure suggests institutional Bitcoin products typically launch during sentiment extremes. The current extreme fear reading mirrors December 2022 conditions when Bitcoin bottomed at $15,500. Laser Digital's entry follows a 12-month consolidation above the $82,000 Fibonacci 0.618 retracement level from the 2021 all-time high. This pattern indicates accumulation rather than distribution. Related developments include Novogratz's $100k Bitcoin target facing macro headwinds and US stocks closing lower with risk-off sentiment spilling into crypto.

What Happened?

Laser Digital announced the Bitcoin income fund on January 22, 2026. The fund aims to outperform Bitcoin's price appreciation through quantitative strategies. Custody services are provided by Komainu, ensuring institutional-grade security via multi-signature wallets and regulatory compliance. This follows Nomura's 2023 expansion into digital assets through Laser Digital, aligning with Japan's progressive crypto framework under the Financial Services Agency. The launch occurs despite Bitcoin trading at $90,035 with minimal 24-hour movement of 0.76%.

Technical Analysis & Price Action

Bitcoin's daily chart shows compression between $92,500 resistance and $88,500 support. The 50-day moving average at $89,200 provides dynamic support. RSI reads 45—neutral with bearish divergence from January highs. A Fair Value Gap exists between $91,800 and $92,200 from last week's rejection. Volume profile indicates low participation at current levels, typical of extreme fear environments. Bullish invalidation level: $88,500 (weekly close below). Bearish invalidation level: $92,500 (sustained break above).

By The Numbers

Why It Matters

Institutional impact: Provides regulated yield exposure without direct spot ownership, appealing to pension funds and family offices restricted by mandate. Retail impact: Signals legitimacy but may increase volatility through options gamma exposure. The fund's strategies could pressure Bitcoin's volatility skew, affecting derivatives markets. According to Ethereum.org's documentation on token standards, such products often drive adoption of ERC-3643 for compliant tokenization.

Community Sentiment

Market analysts note the timing during extreme fear suggests contrarian positioning. Bulls highlight Nomura's backing as validation of Bitcoin's store-of-value thesis. Bears point to carry trade risks if Bitcoin's price stagnates. No official statements from Laser Digital executives were available beyond the CoinDesk report.

Price Prediction / Future Outlook

Bullish case: Break above $92,500 triggers short squeeze toward $96,000. Laser Digital's fund inflows provide bid support, reversing extreme fear to greed within 30 days. Bearish case: Failure at resistance leads to test of $88,500. Break below invalidates bullish structure, targeting $85,000 order block. Macro headwinds from Federal Reserve policy could extend fear sentiment.