Japan

Operational Risk

Japan Banks Face 'Operational Resilience' Test as Disaster Risks Mount - BOJ

By Mark Johnston | 20/01/2026

Japanese financial institutions are shifting to an “all-hazards” approach to business continuity, though gaps remain in executive drill participation and third-party risk management.

Anti-Money Laundering

Japan's FSA Proposes Stricter Rules on AML Tech and Vendor Oversight

By Manesh Samtani | 20/01/2026

Draft guidelines elevate previous expectations to firm requirements for financial firms, targeting technology adoption, trade finance, and outsourcing.

Stablecoins

Japan's JCB, Resona to Pilot Retail Stablecoin Payments in Regulatory Sandbox

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/01/2026

The collaboration between JCB, Resona and, Digital Garage, aims to test USD and JPY-pegged stablecoins at physical stores.

Data Privacy

Korea FSS Launches Probe into Card Firms After Shinhan Data Leak

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/01/2026

The industry-wide inspection follows a leak of nearly 200,000 pieces of personal data by Shinhan Card employees, prompting a review of internal controls.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Japan FSA to Probe Prudential Life as CEO Quits Over Fraud

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/01/2026

The FSA is considering disciplinary action after an internal probe found over 100 staff bilked 500 customers in a scandal dating back decades.

Supervision & Enforcement

Japan FSA Approves Turnaround Plan Submitted by Iwaki Shinkin Credit Union

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/01/2026

The five-year plan aims for governance reform and addresses recent business improvement orders, following a 2012 public fund injection.

Sustainable Finance

Japanese Firms Weigh Return to NZAM With Less Demanding Climate Goals

By Mark Johnston | 16/01/2026

The Net Zero Asset Managers initiatives will restart with relaxed requirements to navigate US legal risks and political pressure.

Tokenisation

Mitsui to Launch Japan’s First Aircraft and Vessel Digital Securities

By Nithya Subramanian | 15/01/2026

Japanese trading giant Mitsui & Co plans to fractionalise capital-intensive transport assets via blockchain, offering retail investors access to lease-backed returns from 2026.

Trading & Investment

Trump-era Policies Create Fresh Opportunities for Japan’s Megabanks

By Blake Evans-Pritchard | 13/01/2026

As Japanese firms scale up in the US, the three megabanks are likewise moving to deepen client-led expansion.