Japan

Payments & Settlements

BOJ Official Details 'Dual Approach' to Payment System Evolution

By Manesh Samtani | 02/06/2026

Senior BOJ official outlined plans for a new private-sector real-time payment system and a "dual approach" to modernising Japan's financial infrastructure.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Prudential Japan Faces JPY 5.5bn Compensation Bill Amid Misconduct Probe

By Editors | 02/06/2026

Financial losses are mounting as the insurer sets aside billions for client restitution, prompting an extended sales halt and deeper regulatory scrutiny.

Cybersecurity

Japan Megabanks to Use OpenAI Model for Cyber Defence

By Nithya Subramanian | 01/06/2026

Japan's largest banks will get early access to a new AI model to find system vulnerabilities, following government-level talks on national security.

Capital Adequacy

Japan Proposes 'Bridging Bonds' to Fund Growth Amid Fiscal Concerns

By Editors | 01/06/2026

The plan aims to fund strategic investments without immediately adding to official debt figures, but has sparked concern among analysts and in markets.

Structural Regulation

Japan Enacts Law for CFIUS-Style Foreign Investment Screening

By Nithya Subramanian | 01/06/2026

The revised law creates a cross-ministerial panel and expands the scope of deals subject to national security reviews.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Japan Police and Major Banks Ink Pact for Faster Fraud Response

By Manesh Samtani | 29/05/2026

New online framework will allow police to request account freezes on the same day to tackle money laundering from special fraud schemes.

Tokenisation

Project Agora Finds No Legal Barriers to Tokenised Cross-Border Payments

By Manesh Samtani | 28/05/2026

BIS-led project involving seven central banks has concluded its prototype for tokenised payments is compatible with existing legal frameworks.

Structural Regulation

Japan FSA Urges Listed Firms to Prioritise Growth, Deploy Cash Reserves

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/05/2026

The regulator is also threatening to remove institutional investors as Stewardship Code signatories if they fail to promote long-term growth at investee companies.

Emerging Prudential Risks

BOJ Flags Stability Risks From Insurers' Shift to Alternatives, Reinsurance

By Manesh Samtani | 26/05/2026

BOJ review highlights growing financial stability risks from life insurers' increasing use of asset-intensive reinsurance and exposure to private funds.