Japan

Management changes may be needed at regional banks that lack sustainability in their business models, says the FSA's Toshihide Endo.

New corporate bond offerings often go partially unsold without the knowledge of issuers. JSDA is reportedly considering requiring underwriters to disclose investor information to issuers.

The FSA granted Eurex Clearing a licence as a foreign financial instruments clearing organisation in March, allowing it to offer clearing services in Japan.

BOJ governor Haruhiko Kuroda indicated that the total size of the programme could rise further, particularly if a second wave of Covid-19 infections emerges.

MUFG Bank's wholly-owned China subsidiary has become the first Japanese bank - and the eight foreign bank overall - to win a Bond Settlement Agent licence.

DLT will be tested to share fund, SSI, and corporate information; enhance compatibility among fund distribution networks; share stock borrowing and lending information.

The project will explore the use of electronic money and digital currency to make banks and cashless payments services interoperable, and could evolve into the introduction of the 'digital yen'.

FIs are asked to take specific actions to prepare for the cessation of LIBOR, and to submit materials allowing the BOJ and FSA to review preparedness at individual firms.

Finance Minister Taro Aso is asking banks to continue supporting SMEs and to actively make use of hybrid lending, in light of a new 117tr yen stimulus package.

Applicant financial institutions will no longer have to set profit targets as a condition for receiving state aid, and the 15-year repayment deadline will be scrapped.