Japan

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan’s FSA Reviews Memecoin Using PM’s Name, Takaichi Denies Involvement

By Nithya Subramanian | 05/03/2026

Japan’s FSA is investigating potential rule breaches after a Solana-based memecoin linked to PM Sanae Takaichi briefly surged in value and then collapsed.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Sony Bank and JPYC Explore Direct Stablecoin Integration

By Mark Johnston | 05/03/2026

Japan’s Sony Bank and stablecoin issuer JPYC will explore integrating bank deposits with blockchain infrastructure for seamless digital asset transactions.

Market Infrastructure

BOJ Governor Details Multi-pronged Digital Currency Strategy

By Manesh Samtani | 04/03/2026

Governor Kazuo Ueda outlined experiments on a retail CBDC, a wholesale settlement sandbox, and the international Project Agora for tokenised deposits.

Fintech / Regtech

Japan FSA Implements Revised Supervisory Guidelines to Tackle Fraud Risks

By Nithya Subramanian | 04/03/2026

The regulator rejected consultative feedback seeking broad opt-outs from MFA requirements and reiterated restrictions on login links in emails and SMS.

Fintech / Regtech

Global Banks Tap AI for Trader Surveillance, Nomura Explores Joint Model

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/03/2026

The move signals a shift from rules-based algorithms to autonomous systems for flagging potential misconduct.

Enforcement

Tokyo Court Rules Against MUFG Over AT1 Bond Losses

By Mark Johnston | 03/03/2026

A Japanese court has ordered Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities to compensate an investor over inadequate AT1 bond risk disclosures.

Fintech / Regtech

Bank of Japan to Test Tokenised Deposits for 24/7 Settlement

By Manesh Samtani | 03/03/2026

The central bank will partner with major financial institutions to explore a wholesale, blockchain-based system for large-value corporate payments.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan's SBI Holdings and Startale to Launch Yen Stablecoin in Q2

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/03/2026

The JPYSC stablecoin will be issued by a licensed trust bank under Japan's new rules for electronic payment instruments.

AML / KYC

Japan FSA Admits Hitachi-Led Crypto AML Project into Sandbox

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 02/03/2026

A consortium of financial and tech firms will test a collaborative information-sharing framework to combat money laundering involving crypto-assets.