Japan

ESG / Sustainability

Japanese FIs Could Be Underpricing Climate Risk as Litigation Heats Up

By Blake Evans-Pritchard | 26/03/2026

Structural barriers in Japan’s courts shield banks from immediate legal exposure, but pressures are building.

Securities / Derivatives

Tokyo Stock Exchange Reports Progress on Lowering Investment Units

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/03/2026

A new report details efforts to reduce minimum stock investments to attract more retail investors and address resulting burdens on companies.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japanese Lawmakers Launch Task Force to Draft On-Chain Finance Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/03/2026

The new LDP project team aims to create a national framework for tokenised finance, putting pressure on regulators and financial institutions.

Enforcement

Japan Court Rules on Director Liability in Suruga Bank Fraud Case

By Manesh Samtani | 24/03/2026

Court ordered former directors to pay JPY 4.76 billion in damages, while a separate mediation with victims of a loan scandal concludes without full resolution.

Crypto / Digital Assets

SBI Launches Japan's First Stablecoin Lending Service for Retail

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/03/2026

The service offers high yields on USDC but comes with explicit counterparty and liquidity risks.

Fintech / Regtech

Japan, UK Seek Alignment on ISSB, Basel III and Crypto Regulation

By Manesh Samtani | 20/03/2026

Regulators discussed sustainability reporting, digital assets, and reaffirmed their commitment to the full, timely, and consistent implementation of Basel III.

Japan Cabinet Approves Bill to Create CFIUS-Style Screening Body

By Editors | 18/03/2026

The government has approved a bill to create a new cross-ministerial body for screening foreign investments on national security grounds.

Capital / Liquidity

Japan Updates SME Revitalisation Rules, Emphasises Proactive Role for FIs

By Manesh Samtani | 18/03/2026

The update encourages early action on business succession and M&A, and calls on financial institutions to be more proactive in supporting distressed firms.

Enforcement

Japan to Raise Max Jail Penalty for Unlicensed Crypto Sales - Report

By Editors | 17/03/2026

Regulator plans to move crypto oversight to the securities law framework and significantly increase fines and prison sentences.